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Phormium in very poor condition

Hi, 

We have just moved into a house with two phormiums in the front garden. Neither have been well looked after, so this morning I've gone out and removed an entire brown bin's worth of dead flowers and leaves that have clearly accumulated for several seasons. The plants look much better for removing all the dead matter, but many of the living leaves are brown for about the final third of the leaf. I read that one is supposed to cut the dying leaves off at the base of the plant with a sharp knife, but I read that this is an autumn job. Can dying leaves be cut off in March?  Or do I need to tolerate the shabby folorn appearance and remove all the dying leaves in Autumn? We are in Norfolk, and the phormiums are in well drained soil, facing south into full sun. 

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    A photo of the plant will help others to see the current state, like the size and dying leaves. Phormiums are usually hardy once mature and established. But, this year, the weather has been consistently colder, especially in late winter. Then with the heavy rainfall, I suspect, plants like Phormiums will not like these conditions. If the weather is warming up in your area, I would start removing the dead/dying leaves. 
  • See photos. Both plants are about a metre high and a metre wide. One (first 3 photos) seems in better condition than the other and is perhaps salvageable? 

    Sorry photos are on their sides, can’t work out how to rotate them! 
     
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    That looks pretty normal to me, for this time of year, and if they haven't had much maintenance for a while.  You could either cut back any dead leaves, if you just want to tidy up the plants. 

    If you prefer a more substantial renovation, then dig them out (expect sizeable root balls), and divide them with a space.  This isn't easy, you have to be really brutal, but they can take it.  Then replant them, and perhaps add some fresh compost and grit to the planting holes.  Keep well watered this Summer.  They should be fine.
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I agree, the Phormiums look fine to me. Tatty older leaves will happen and at the end of winter, some leaves will be weather beaten. The clumps also look too congested for the space it is growing in, hence the leaves drooping slightly, so it is a good opportunity to divide so they can grow better. 
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