PHORMIUM COOKIANUM ("Mountain Flax" / "Wharariki") Summer 2016 discovery: A well-established specimen of this plant bloomed summer 2016 in the garden of an early home on Shaw Island. It is one of only two species in the Phormium genus. Photo from the University of Washington Botanical Garden. Thank you, Kathleen DeMaria. |
Common Name: "Mountain Flax"; "Wharariki"
Life cycle: Evergreen perennial
Native Growing Region: New Zealand. One of the first plants to be described for science by the botanist on Captain Cook's second expedition to New Zealand that landed in 1773.
Flower Color: Yellow
Blooming: June and July in the Pacific Northwest. This year of 2016 is the first time the specimen bloomed at the UW Botanical Garden in Seattle. Their plant was raised from seed.
Height: 3'-4'
Width: 3'-4'
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Winter Hardiness: 15°-20°
Seaside: Yes.
Water Needs: Medium
Tolerates: Deer and rabbits.
Attracts: The flowers produce a lot of nectar that attracts birds and pollinating insects to the garden.
Attributes: A versatile plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions. Historically, a hugely important fiber plant for fibers for clothes, baskets––
Notes:
"The handmade flax cording and rope had such great tensile strength that it was used to bind together hollowed-out logs to create ocean-worthy canoes. It was also used to make rigging, sails, roofs for housing, and frayed ends of leaves were fashioned into torches for use at night. Roots yielded materials to make medicine, and nectar and pollen were obtained from the flowers to make face paint." from UW Botanical Garden site
The Maori carefully propagated their own Wharariki nurseries and plantations throughout their land. The quality of their rope materials was widely noticed in the world, dating as early as the beginning 1800s. Their industry thrived until artificial fibers caused the demise of their Phormium fiber work. Wharariki is still used for craft papers.
For a dramatic ornamental with tropical foliage in the garden; seed pods add flair to large flower arrangements.
Nice strong understory plant that is non-poisonous to humans and animals. The root system is good for erosion control.
Sowing:
Best sown in late autumn. Sow in plug trays under glass to increase germination rate in spring. (It can take 1-6 months.) Temperature c. 63°F. Supply a weak potassium permanganate solution to prevent die back.
For a dramatic ornamental with tropical foliage in the garden; seed pods add flair to large flower arrangements.
Nice strong understory plant that is non-poisonous to humans and animals. The root system is good for erosion control.
Sowing:
Best sown in late autumn. Sow in plug trays under glass to increase germination rate in spring. (It can take 1-6 months.) Temperature c. 63°F. Supply a weak potassium permanganate solution to prevent die back.
Friend Maggie gifted me a package of these. Excited to try this autumn indoors in a little seed tray.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! That is an island plant that had me quite excited on finding the beautiful seed pods. The mother plant is divided with a piece at the Gatehouse, so with fingers crossed maybe one year I will see her bloom when she is settled in. Happy gardening and may your beautiful papery black seeds do well. cc.
DeleteMaggie painted a lovely picture of your gathering skills of natives. And your art. And your sweet nature. Happy year ahead
ReplyDeleteOne must remember in a 'Mutual Admiration Society' others must only believe half of the kind words. M is amazing. If my Phormium cookianum ever blesses us with seeds again, I will save some of the gorgeous pods for you to fondle. They are simply beautiful. All best.
ReplyDelete