Phormium Flower Spikes

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by Kevin Cowans, May 23, 2024.

  1. Kevin Cowans

    Kevin Cowans Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    Messages:
    1,034
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Doncaster (DN3)
    Ratings:
    +1,274
    Hello all

    I Hope you are Well.

    One of My Phormium has Six Flower Spikes growing:

    20240523_104700.jpg

    I have had One Flower Spike previously, which was Damaged by Wind so I never had to ask what to do with it.

    Now, I am asking :)

    Once the Flower Spikes have Flowered, should they be Removed, or Not?

    Thanks in advance

    Kevin
     
  2. fairygirl

    fairygirl Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2020
    Messages:
    4,027
    Occupation:
    retired
    Location:
    west central Scotland
    Ratings:
    +9,202
    I leave them for a while, then cut them down. They can be useful for a lightweight support instead of canes. :smile:
    It'll be a wee while before those are at full size though. I love them when they flower. :smile:
     
  3. Plantminded

    Plantminded Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2024
    Messages:
    2,565
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Wirral
    Ratings:
    +8,670
    That's going to be quite a spectacle @Kevin Cowans! I leave mine too unless they are obstructing the steps or pathway. I cut them off at the base as soon as they start to look tatty.
     
  4. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2013
    Messages:
    7,068
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
    Ratings:
    +17,158
    The other option is to make any friends who are flower arrangers very, very happy and grateful :) The dried flower stems are much sought after.
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Kevin Cowans

      Kevin Cowans Total Gardener

      Joined:
      May 12, 2018
      Messages:
      1,034
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Doncaster (DN3)
      Ratings:
      +1,274
      Hello all

      The Six Flower Spikes are now in Full Flower as shown here:

      20240701_122932.jpg

      When it comes Time to Cut them Down, how low should I Cut them?

      Thanks in advance

      Kevin
       
      • Like Like x 2
      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 25, 2013
        Messages:
        7,068
        Gender:
        Female
        Location:
        Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine
        Ratings:
        +17,158
        Leave enough of the stem to be able to pull on it once they're thoroughly dried. Say 1' /30cm. That way, you thoroughly remove any potential material that might rot over the winter and damage the crown. I find that, once dried, waggling it backwards and forwards (or side to side) snaps it off at the base.
         
      Loading...

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Dismiss Notice