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 displayed on this page about Phormium tenax 'Radiance' is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.