A very Hardy Phormium

Yes, that's VERY hardy ! :o)

How many days of frost would you say this Phormium would have to endure in an average winter?

Well, that spell remained like this for 8 days, never changed, but such a time as this is unusual. We had warmer weather Christmas and new Year weeks, but are back to this again now. I suppose, maybe 30 whole days over winter, but not all at once, of course. I've read often that small phormiums and cordylines need to be overwintered in a frost-free place for their first 3-4 years before being truly hardy enough to plant out.

Thanks David... I wish our winters were 30 days long...instead of 150+ or -...lol. To have beautiful phormia and cordyline I would have to have that solarium I've been dreaming of... hahaha "dream along with me...." no worries though 'cause there are lots of linear plants that do make it through the cold.

Oh, I do appreciate how well off we are here, Lori! And, aren't linear, architectural plants just wonderful?

Now that's a real beauty, and it looks great 365 days a year, what more could one ask for ?!

The Irises in my garden look like jets of foliage coming out of the ground...I really like the fountain or fan shapes... next garden I'm thinking of boxwood edging!!

I've kept a phormium in a pot outside for three years now and it's been fine and I've just split it up to give half to an elderly friend of mine. It's a bright green one with reddish edges.