Plant in full sun to light shade. Can tolerate fairly dry conditions (coastal) but looks best with occasional to regular irrigation. Cold hardy to 15-20° F and possibly root hardy below these temperatures but with severe foliage damage unless protected. A showy large variegated plant!

Phormium tenax 'Radiance' is an old cultivar that was originally described as 'Pare Kore Tawa' in 1870 - although this name predates the name 'Radiance' the latter name is conserved because it is the established name in horticulture in New Zealand and it has long been in cultivation in the US. We originally grew this plant as Phormium 'Williamsii Variegata' until a comparison of the two plants was made by us between these two cultivars at the Christchurch Botanic Garden. This may also be the same as the plant long called May also be what is called Phormium tenax 'Lineata' in the California nursery trade. 

The information about Phormium tenax 'Radiance' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.