The more colorful phormiums tend to lose their color after a while and revert to plain green. Some do this faster than others. The straight species are a lot tougher and more vigorous, and live longer than the hybrids. The color is most beautiful if given part shade to avoid bleaching of the foliage. They can get by once established on little water, but they do need some.

They always get bigger than you think they will get. Make sure they have enough space!

They can get HUGE, I mean HUGE, 10x10' if they revert or if they are the species. Here the only pest to watch for is mealy bugs. They collect at the base of the plant and will kill it. You have to get in there and look and apply a systemic insecticide to get rid of them. Maintenance means cutting off the finished flower stalks and pulling off the foliage when it is dead and can easily be pulled away from the plant.

I agree with comments of hoovb. I would add that here in Sunset 14, they do not like the heat, which shows as browned or singed outer leaves. I tried them, and pulled them out. Zone 14 is a tough zone.

RB

Most of the cultivars will sunburn in inland full sun and heat, but can do quite well with dappled sun or morning sun. They will also be less drought tolerant inland than along the coast. In a word, it isn't a full sun plant in your zone.

Thanks SO much everyone. I am finding that anything that says sun/part shade is probably not a good choice for the full sun area in my yard :-( I'm glad I didn't buy it; my sister in law has some, a different kind w/reddish leave, and it's HUGE. And sharp!

Now that I've gotten over it (LOL) I think I'm going to go with "Valley Violet" Ceanothus, "Goodwin Creek Gray" Lavendar, and Bush Germander. They were on the UC Davis All Stars list and my husband likes the blue/purple flowers.

Now to find them for sale ;-)