Phormium tenax 'Joker' is an more compact evergreen variety of New Zealand Flax with wonderful colour. It produces elegant, arching sword shaped leaves of grey-green which are edged beautifully with eye catching intense pink margins.
It is worth noting the 'Joker' colour scheme is the perfect opposite of the Phormium ' Jester'
Care: In late spring remove any dead or damaged leaves. Cover and Protect in winter when over -5 celcius and plant away from cold winds.
Buying Bamboo & Grasses from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we sell the majority of our stock all year round. Our stock is for the most part grown outdoors making it far hardier than those grown under glass and/or only sold ‘In Season’. With Bamboo and Grasses the leaves can differ in quality dependent on the time of the year and whether they are in their growth phase. We protect less hardy species during the winter but other plants grown out doors may have some wind damage. This is in no way detrimental to the plant and will grow out naturally in spring.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Ornamental grasses can provide calming, delicate accompaniments to colourful flowering plants, or they can be the focus of design instead. There are types available for every garden setup, soil type and position, and will provide colour, coverage, contrast and structure wherever they are planted.
Planting and Conditions
Grasses from colder climates such as Deschampsia, Festuca, Helctotrichon and Stipa grow in late winter and flower before mid-summer. To get the best establishment, they should be planted in the autumn.
Grasses from warmer climates such as Miscanthus, Panicum, Pennisetum and Spartina grow in late spring, flower after mid-summer and are best cut back in late winter. Plan them in late spring, and they will be best established.
Grasses also make good container specimens, and will prosper in loamy soil.
Ideally, the planting areas for grasses should be prepared in the autumn months. Till the soil deeply, and work in ample organic matter. Ornamental grasses do not require large amounts of fertiliser.
Aftercare and Pruning
The foliage on deciduous grasses can be left until February. They turn brown rather than lose their leaves, and so should be pruned to ground level later in the season. The severity of pruning required can vary from variety to variety, so care should be taken so that you don’t harm the plant.
Evergreen grasses can be trimmed in autumn / spring. Remove brown tips and cut back dead leaves that usually collect around the base of the plant.
Care for your grasses by using mulch and watering them regularly. Otherwise, they are a fairy low maintenance addition to the garden.
Potential Issues
Nothing really bothers most ornamental grasses. Rabbits and voles may occasionally be an issue, but they can easily be controlled using fencing and, if needs must, animal repellents.
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