Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ – Bold, Colourful Foliage for Striking Displays

The Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is a dramatic, evergreen architectural plant, prized for its bold strap-like leaves striped in shades of bronze, green, and rose-pink. Its vibrant colouring makes it a standout feature in borders, gravel gardens, and contemporary landscapes, while its toughness and easy-care nature ensure it performs reliably with minimal fuss.

Originally from New Zealand, Phormiums are also known as New Zealand Flax. ‘Sundowner’ is one of the most colourful cultivars, offering year-round structure and an exotic flair. Perfect as a statement plant in containers or planted en masse in borders, it brings long-lasting drama to gardens of all styles.

General Information

Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is a versatile perennial that combines beauty with resilience.

• Habit: Clump-forming, evergreen perennial with long, arching sword-shaped leaves.

• Height & spread: Typically reaches 1.2–1.8m tall with a similar spread.

• Foliage: Broad, strap-like leaves striped in olive-green, bronze, and rose-pink tones. Colours intensify in good light.

• Flowers: In mature plants, tall spikes of tubular red flowers may appear in summer, attractive to pollinators.

• Position: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates clay, coastal conditions, and drought once established.

• Hardiness: Generally hardy in mild regions but may need protection in colder winters.

• Uses: Excellent as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, gravel gardens, coastal plantings, or large patio containers.

With its year-round presence and exotic flair, Phormium ‘Sundowner’ is a favourite for adding colour, height, and texture to outdoor spaces.

Care Guide

Phormiums are robust and easy to care for, requiring little attention beyond occasional maintenance.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extremes of weather.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space at least 1m apart to allow room for growth.

• Containers: Choose a large, sturdy pot with free-draining compost for long-term container displays.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.

• Once established, plants are drought-tolerant and need only occasional watering.

• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong foliage growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove any damaged or dead leaves at the base to maintain a tidy appearance.

• Cut back spent flower stems after flowering.

• In colder regions, protect crowns with a dry mulch or fleece during harsh frosts.

• Divide large clumps every few years in spring to rejuvenate growth and create new plants.

Protection

• Hardy in coastal and mild areas, but in colder inland gardens provide winter protection.

• Strong winds can damage leaves; plant in a sheltered but sunny position if possible.

Why Choose Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’?

This striking plant offers gardeners an unbeatable combination of colour, structure, and resilience.

• Year-round impact: Evergreen foliage adds structure in all seasons.

• Dramatic colour: Striped leaves in bronze, green, and pink provide a bold focal point.

• Low-maintenance: Requires little care once established.

• Versatile: Equally effective in borders, containers, or coastal plantings.

• Wildlife-friendly: Summer flowers attract bees and pollinators.

The Phormium tenax ‘Sundowner’ is a show-stopping evergreen that delivers reliable drama and vibrant colour throughout the year. Whether used as a single statement plant in a container or as part of a bold border scheme, it brings an exotic, architectural touch to any garden.

• Size
  7.5lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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