PHORMIUM EVENING GLOW

Phormium cookianum 'Duette' is a compact and ornamental flax cultivar from New
Zealand, appreciated for its variegated foliage with light tones and for its elegant and sinuous
habit. It is an evergreen plant with a strong decorative value,
ideal for creating points of light in flowerbeds, mixed borders or potted compositions.
The leaves, ribbon-like and slightly arched, are long, soft and arranged in a fan shape.
The colour is one of the most distinctive aspects of this variety: the centre of the leaves is
a pale green with cream or light yellow tones, bordered by darker olive green margins.
This delicate but visible contrast gives the plant a natural brightness,
capable of enlivening even the most sober compositions.
'Duette' has an orderly and moderate growth, with a maximum height of
around 80–100 cm, making it suitable even for small spaces or for
container cultivation. The habit is slightly expanded, with leaves that bend gracefully
outwards, giving the plant a soft and harmonious appearance.
Flowering is a rare event in cultivation, but when it does occur, it occurs in
summer with tall and rigid stems that carry tubular flowers of a reddish or coppery
color. However, the main ornamental value remains linked to the beauty and stability of the variegated foliage throughout
the year.
Phormium cookianum 'Duette' prefers positions in full sun or partial shade and grows
well in well-drained soil. It is a rustic plant, which tolerates exposure to wind and saltiness, making it ideal for coastal gardens. Once well-rooted,
it resists short periods of drought and can tolerate moderate cold temperatures, but in
areas subject to prolonged frosts, winter protection is advisable.
For its discreet elegance, light color and ease of management, Phormium
'Duette' is perfect for bright compositions, combinations with herbaceous perennials and
grasses, or as a contrasting element in contemporary and Mediterranean gardens.