Phormium tenax ‘Golden Ray’ – Architectural Foliage with Brilliant Gold Colour
Phormium tenax ‘Golden Ray’ is a bold, evergreen perennial that brings instant drama to any garden. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves are a brilliant golden-yellow with subtle green margins, creating a radiant, architectural presence throughout the year. Ideal as a feature plant, in borders, or in large containers, it adds vibrant colour and strong structure to the landscape.
In summer, mature plants may produce tall flower spikes with tubular red blooms, adding height and attracting pollinators. This hardy and low-maintenance plant is well-suited to a variety of conditions, including coastal gardens, where it can withstand wind and salt spray.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
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Fresh golden foliage emerges, brightening the garden.
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Strong, upright form establishes quickly, providing early structure.
Summer:
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Sword-like leaves remain vibrant, with occasional flower spikes adding seasonal interest.
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Colour contrasts beautifully with other perennials and grasses.
Autumn:
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Evergreen foliage retains its brilliance, providing year-round impact.
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Architectural form remains striking as other plants fade.
Winter:
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Evergreen structure adds colour and height in colder months.
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Performs well in sheltered coastal locations, offering wind protection.
Structure & Form
Height & Spread: 1.5–2 m tall, 1–1.5 m wide.
Form: Upright, clump-forming evergreen with sword-like leaves.
Foliage: Brilliant golden-yellow with subtle green margins.
Flowers: Tall summer spikes with red tubular blooms on established plants.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Feature Planting: Ideal focal point in contemporary and exotic gardens.
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Borders & Mixed Planting: Provides colour contrast and vertical interest.
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Coastal Gardens: Wind- and salt-tolerant once established.
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Containers: Makes a dramatic statement on patios or entrances.
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Gravel & Mediterranean Gardens: Complements drought-tolerant schemes.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position: Full sun, sheltered from severe cold winds.
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor soils once established.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; trim old leaves as needed. Protect roots with mulch in colder regions.
Hardiness: Hardy in most UK gardens (H3–H4).
Why Choose Phormium tenax ‘Golden Ray’?
With its radiant golden foliage, evergreen architectural form, and adaptability to coastal or sheltered gardens, Phormium tenax ‘Golden Ray’ delivers dramatic, year-round interest with minimal care. Perfect as a feature plant or in bold mixed borders, it transforms any landscape with colour and structure.
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.