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Phormium problems....

Kev121Kev121 Posts: 66
in Problem solving
Hi
ive got two large phormium tenax both in large pots,but looking very sad.
one is turning yellow and the other it’s leaves are turning inwards.
im so perplexed by this as I am a gardener by occupation but on this occasion something is going wrong.
any advise would be most welcome.
cheers Kevin.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They need repotting. There won't be much in those pots - soil or water - to sustain all that top growth. They could also do with dividing - it helps to keep them rejuvenated - but even if you don't do that [it can be a bif of a faff] remove all the spent foliage right back to the main plant, and it'll allow new growth to come through. They tend to look a bit rough after winter anyway. I do that with most of mine. A seaweed feed is beneficial to them now and again for the foliage   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    As above ; but they also look severely damaged by the 'beasts' a few weeks ago .
    It is possible , though very drastic , to cut off all foliage as low as possible to the soil ; I know this sounds awful , but they readily regenerate healthy new growth .
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    Are you sure PB3? I had 4 in plastic pots to be planted later, perfectly fine until the snow hit, then they all got scoffed down to soil level in 1 night by voles or rats or a collaboration. I’m waiting patiently for signs of regrow this but got nothing yet so I’m getting worried. 
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    I cut down two very large ones after the winter of 09/10 ; they responded very well the following summer . These were in open ground though .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's exactly what I do a1154 - cut them back to the main plant. You'll probably see new shoots forming. I always clear snow off mine - a fairly regular event in winter where I am. It tends to break the stems a bit otherwise, just like any evergreen shrub.
    I take off all the shredded foliage at this time of year - I've just done one of mine and the others will get done soon. The paler, or variegated ones suffer a bit more too - rust spots etc - but they come back very quickly. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Kev121Kev121 Posts: 66
    Cheers guys..great advice...many thanks.
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