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Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise'

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax variety admired for its striking foliage striped in shades of pink, cream, and green. This hardy evergreen forms a compact clump that provides year round colour and architectural appeal in the garden. Tough and versatile, 'Rainbow Surprise' is perfect for borders, feature planting, and pots.

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' colourful foliage.

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Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Flaxes
Height:1.30 m
Spread:1.30 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku10203

How to grow Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' in NZ

Growing Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' in New Zealand is straightforward as it thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to many soil types. For best growth, plant in free draining soil and water regularly while establishing. Once mature, it becomes drought tolerant and hardy. This variety also tolerates coastal exposure, wind, and light frosts, making it suitable for a wide range of NZ gardens.

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' care tips

Caring for Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' is easy and ensures it looks its best year round. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to maintain a tidy clump. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring to support strong growth and enhance foliage colour. Spent flower stalks can be trimmed as needed to keep the plant fresh and vigorous.

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' size, spacing, and growth rate

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' typically grows 1 to 1.2 metres tall and around 1 metre wide, forming a compact, upright clump. For group plantings or borders, space plants 80 cm to 1 metre apart. The growth rate is moderate, with plants establishing quickly and providing lasting colour and texture in the landscape.

Landscaping uses for Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise'

Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' is prized in landscaping for its colourful striped foliage and tidy growth habit. It is ideal for mass plantings, borders, or as a feature plant in modern and coastal gardens. The bold mix of pink, cream, and green tones adds striking contrast against darker foliage plants. It also performs beautifully in large pots, adding decorative flair to patios, decks, and courtyards.

Why buy Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' from The Plant Company?

Purchasing Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' from The Plant Company ensures you receive top quality plants grown in New Zealand conditions. As NZ’s most trusted plant nursery, we supply strong, healthy plants that establish quickly and thrive in your garden. Customers value our expert advice, fast nationwide delivery, and careful packaging. When you choose The Plant Company, you can be confident your Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise' will provide lasting colour and beauty in your outdoor spaces.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Phormium 'Rainbow Surprise'? We are here to help.

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