Phormium advice

I am looking for advice on Phormium plants. I am looking to buy 2 of these which will flank the entrance to a tropical (eventually) walkway.
Our site is exposed to frequent winds, however both Phormiums will have a screen offering some protection. Ideally i want something which will reach a height around 1.8 - 2m (the main body of the plant), I don't mind flower panicles which exceed that height by some distance.
Eventual width around 1.5m would be ideal. H4 would be hardiness level.

The trouble i have from checking various sites (including RHS) is differing max heights. The plant i am particularly keen on is "Phormiun Tenax Variegata". I looked at the Tenax Green and Purpureum and decided these would grow much larger than desired. Sundowner too seems to be highly recommended but appears to be H3 rated, keeping in mind i live in South Norfolk and therefore subject to occasional harsh easterly winds.
The only other one was Pink Stripe which might fit the bill.
Any thoughts/suggestions will be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

The tenax types are typically 6-7ft after becoming established, the cookianum types are normally up to 4ft. My purpureum has been in ten years and only now has reached it's max height. It's becoming a bit of a thug with spreading out though.
A decent pair of scissors is recommended for removing leaf blades

 

Thank you. Sounds like the Tenax Variegata might be the one for me. Just didn't want something which was going to struggle to hit 1.5m eventually.

 

Just need to add two points. Variegated plants tend to be smaller than the species and on the way to the business park where I work, I noticed a bog standard p.tenax which is probably over ten feet high!
So site and soil conditions will play a role

 

I've grown P.tenax Sundowner for about 40 years, both in UK and here. It's a lovely, trouble-free plant. Wind and frost resistant. Seems to flower better when it's stressed by drought. A mature clump does get big, but can be kept in check by chopping round it with a sharp spade or kitchen knife. It's only drawback is that snails love to hide at the bottom of the clump, so if you plant vulnerable plants nearby, best to evict the slimy ones!

 

What sort of height do they tend to reach? I appreciate soil and location are factors to consider!

 

I went with the Phormium Tenax Variegata in the end. Bought 2 of them and have to say i am delighted with them.

 

Oops! Sorry I've only just seen your previous post, SV! I wonder if what you've bought is also known as 'Yellow Wave'? Another excellent Phormium. Gets to about 6'/1.8m. Looking forward to further pics when they're established

 

My daughter planted one of these by my pond... and now (at 7 feet tall) I have difficulty in seeing or even accessing the latter! I obviously don't want to damage it, but it needs to be transplanted or otherwise moved. Advice needed per-lease!

 

I divide Phormiums when they get too big for their space. Depending on how wide and accessible yours is, try using a sharp spade to either dig the entire plant up and then divide it or take sections out of the outer area. You'll see that they grow with V-shaped sheaths of leaves, try to cut around complete sections. You may need other equipment like a pruning saw or pick axe. Keep the divisions well watered when replanted at the original depth that they were.

 

Do you know what type they are @Emcee ? The bog standard green one can certainly become huge, and so can the dark one.
If you follow @Plantminded 's advice, you should be able to shift it/them to a better spot, but they can be difficult to deal with because the foliage is very jaggy - not great for your eyes! You can cut them back though - they'll grow back, or tie them up so that the foliage doesn't wander into any unsuitable parts of your body!
They're quite shallow rooted, but they can be quite solid if well established. If the ground's dry, it's worth waiting until it isn't, or give the soil a good drenching before tackling it, if you have a decent supply.

 

Thanks so much for these replies. Much appreciated and very prompt!