Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’ – A Radiant Accent of Warm Variegated Foliage
Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’ is a striking evergreen perennial known for its dramatic, sword-shaped leaves marked by vibrant tones of apricot, gold, and green. This New Zealand Flax cultivar brings architectural flair and a warm, glowing palette to gardens year-round. Its bold foliage offers texture, structure, and enduring visual interest, making it an exceptional choice for borders, containers, or contemporary landscapes.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
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Fresh, arching foliage emerges in early spring, displaying a subtle mix of apricot and cream with green margins.
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As the temperature rises, the foliage becomes more vibrant, giving the plant a luminous appearance that catches the light beautifully.
Summer:
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In full summer, ‘Apricot Queen’ is at its most radiant, with upright, fountain-like foliage providing texture and movement in the garden.
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Though not grown for flowers, it may occasionally produce tall flower spikes with reddish blooms, adding another layer of drama.
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Heat and drought-tolerant once established, it's a dependable performer in warm climates.
Autumn:
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Foliage remains strong and colourful through autumn, with warmer golden and coppery hues intensifying in cooler air.
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The plant maintains structure as surrounding plants begin to fade, offering season-long visual appeal.
Winter:
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In milder climates, the foliage remains evergreen, holding its shape and colour through the winter.
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In colder regions, it may die back or suffer leaf damage, but will often regrow from the base in spring if protected from hard frosts.
Structure & Form
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Height & Spread: Grows up to 90–120cm tall and spreads 90–150cm wide, forming a dense, upright clump of foliage that fans out gracefully.
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Form: The long, strap-like leaves create a bold, architectural statement. Their slight twist and arching habit add movement and contrast to more compact or rounded plants nearby.
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Growth Habit: A slow- to moderate-growing perennial, ‘Apricot Queen’ develops into an elegant mound that offers year-round structure and form.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Borders & Structure: Use as a structural backbone in perennial borders or gravel gardens, where it stands out with bold foliage and sculptural form.
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Coastal Gardens: Exceptionally tolerant of wind and salt spray, making it ideal for exposed coastal locations.
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Containers & Courtyards: Its upright, vase-like shape and colourful foliage make it a stunning feature in pots, especially in modern or minimalist garden designs.
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Tropical or Mediterranean Styles: Complements palms, succulents, and drought-tolerant companions for a lush yet low-maintenance look.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun for best colour intensity, though it will tolerate partial shade. In cooler areas, a sunny sheltered position is ideal.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, from loam to sandy textures. Avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
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Maintenance: Very low-maintenance once established. Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Requires minimal watering once rooted.
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Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 8–11. In colder areas, protect with mulch or grow in containers that can be moved under cover in winter.
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Propagation: Best propagated by division in spring or early autumn.
Why Choose Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’?
Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’ offers vibrant, warm-toned foliage that brings year-round interest and structure to a variety of garden settings. Its bold shape, rich variegation, and adaptability to sun, drought, and coastal conditions make it a must-have for contemporary, Mediterranean, or low-maintenance landscapes. With its architectural form and elegant leaf tones, it acts as both a focal point and a dependable foliage backdrop.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Grasses: Pair with ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Pennisetum for soft contrast and movement.
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Succulents & Yucca: Contrast with the strong forms and silvery tones of Yucca, Agave, or Aeonium for a bold, structural planting.
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Perennials: Combine with Echinacea, Salvia nemorosa, or Sedum for colour-rich summer borders.
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Shrubs: Plant near low evergreens like Pittosporum or Hebe to highlight the foliage contrast.
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Annuals: Use alongside trailing Calibrachoa or compact Gazania in containers for a long-season display.
Phormium ‘Apricot Queen’ is a garden designer's dream—versatile, hardy, and visually compelling. Whether you're looking to add drama, warmth, or a sculptural element to your landscape, this timeless New Zealand Flax delivers reliable beauty and bold foliage all year round.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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