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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.
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.
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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.