Phormiums are New Zealand evergreen plants, and a striking element in any hot border scheme. They make bold clumps of long, often gorgeously coloured, sword-shaped leaves, with tall, open flower-spikes on mature plants. The purpureum group is one of the best to grow producing elegant long leaves of deep purplish bronze. Phormiums can be damaged by cold winds and severe frosts in some areas of the country and will benefit from some protection.