As we mentioned in the [previous post](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/bloc/item/145-plantas-resistentes-a-la-brisa-marina) at Sala Graupera we can find a wide range of plants resistant to sea breeze and salinity. Among them, in this new post we highlight the genus Phormium, a plant that develops in the form of a clump, formed by the long leaves typical of this genus.
Phormium belongs to the Hemerocallidaceae family and is native to New Zealand, where it covers many coastal areas. Its name refers to the use that the Maori gave to the fibers of this plant for weaving.
The popular name in its area of origin is "flax" which means linen, and which describes the plant, its fiber, and some traditional garments obtained from it. The utility of the plant is also reflected in its common name in our latitudes which is known as "New Zealand flax." From the 18th century until World War II, the fiber was widely used in the manufacture of ropes by the English navy and this increased the popularity of this plant, promoting its cultivation both as a source of fiber and as a garden plant.
Phormium is a compact evergreen plant that can reach large dimensions in the wild. In cultivation there are varieties of small dimensions or dwarf varieties up to larger varieties such as **_Phormium 'Maori Queen'_** which reaches 120-150 cm in height and 80-100 cm in width.
The leaves are leathery, smooth, and long. They can be dark green, light green, red, variegated, and black, depending on the varieties.
It is a full-sun plant that requires a sandy substrate with good drainage. Only the variety _["Platt's black"](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/phormium-platts-black-2)_ tolerates being located in semi-shade well. Its watering needs are very low and it withstands periods of drought. It withstands moderate frosts, being able to tolerate temperatures down to -7ºC.
It is a plant that does not require much care, it only needs to have withered leaves cleaned at the beginning of spring. In general it has no tendency to suffer from pests or diseases, but occasionally it can be attacked by scale insects.
It is highly recommended for coastal gardens, rock gardens, low-maintenance flower beds both as a specimen and in association with other plants native to the Pacific area.
In the Nursery [catalog](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/category/phormium-phormiaceae-6) you can find different varieties that meet the chromatic and spatial needs required by the project.
Imágenes: pinterest.com / southbaygarden.com / foro.portalplantas.com