Description
Phormium ‘Jester’ is a striking evergreen plant with narrow, sword-shaped leaves that are green with bold pink and red stripes. This clumping, upright plant can grow up to 1.2m tall and 1m wide. Mature plants produce tall spikes of tubular, red flowers on stems that can reach up to 2.5m tall in Summer. ‘Jester’ is an eye-catching addition to any garden and is perfect for adding a splash of color to a border or as a statement plant in a container. It is also an excellent choice for coastal gardens, as it is tolerant of salt spray and wind. When planting ‘Jester’, make sure to choose a spot in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. This plant pairs well with other bold-colored plants, such as Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ and Astilbe ‘Red Sentinel’, which complement its vibrant foliage.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Flax Lily Jester
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Phormium ‘Jester’ can grow to a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m.
- Did You Know That:Phormium is of cultural importance to the Maori people, with fibres made from the leaves used to make clothing and baskets?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Phormium ‘Jester’ prefers moist but well-draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Phormium ‘Jester’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and can cope with either full sun or partial shade.
Maintenance
Phormium ‘Jester’ is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Phormium ‘Jester’ can have problems with mealybugs, and it tends not to have problems with diseases. It is not considered to be toxic.