phormium

This discussion on Phomium only goes to show how tolerant this plant is, and just how tough it really is!  This year in Istanbul we have a recorded lowest temperature of minus 13 C.  The cold has turned most of the variegated phormiums plum coloured.  The snow has broken all their leaves.  But investigation shows new leaves emerging already, and I have every confidence that they are strong and healthy despite the shock.  (Bear in mind that in August they were enjoying  38-40 degrees C and 14 hours of sun.) On the other hand our P. Bronze Baby in pots in the nursery, which we have been covering up every night against the frost, are almost perfect.  I also have P.tenax (variegated) growing in an interior park under glass at a steady temperature of 19-22 C, relative humidity of 60%, light levels in excess of 10,000 lux, regular maintenance.  Although not dying these Phormiums, apparently in near perfect conditions, are weak, growth is slow, leaves are thin, overall size is smaller.  Does Phormium thrive on stress ? I wonder ?
Chevrel Traher
Istanbul Turkey
? zone 8?
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