Phormium Flower Spikes

Hello all

I Hope you are Well.

One of My Phormium has Six Flower Spikes growing:



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

 

I leave them for a while, then cut them down. They can be useful for a lightweight support instead of canes.
It'll be a wee while before those are at full size though. I love them when they flower.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Hello all

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



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

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

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.