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Phormium maintenance

josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
At the park, we have several big phormiums at the back of a border.  Apart from improving the look of it, is there any benefit to the plant, or to neighbouring plants, from removing the dead leaves around the base?  This morning I removed a lot that were visible from the path, but there are loads more which are concealed by the upper growth and by the surrounding plants.  It was quite a tussle getting at them, cutting them off and bagging them.  I don't mind diving in there again if it will bring any benefit, but I shan't bother if not.

Posts

  • Ours can get a bit of mould and root rot when they get congested. We remove the dead leaves, to allow air to circulate.  They also look much better.  They are tough plants, so it won’t kill them if you just leave them. 

    We find that dividing them every few years is good for the vigour of the plants.  
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    Thank you, ours are looking very healthy, so I think I'll leave them be for now.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I do as @KeenOnGreen does - removing old foliage, and dividing if possible.  I do it quite often if it's one that's prominent, because they can get quite wind/rain damaged and leaves split etc. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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