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Swamp Flax

Phormium tenax

5 from 1 customers

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the foliage in summer to bear twisted-looking flowers that result in black seed pods in autumn, and the nectar produced by the flowers attracts both birds and butterflies. Harakeke grows as a clump to about 2 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It is a popular landscape option that is also often used to contrast with other plant colours. Mass planting on a bank not only provides an outstanding display but is also excellent for helping to stabilise the soil.

  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Flaxes
  • Height:
    2.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Banks, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

More species and varieties of Phormium

Phormium 'Apricot Queen' orange, green, and yellow variegated foliage.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Apricot Queen'

Phormium 'Apricot Queen' is a stunning NZ flax variety valued for its arching leaves striped with apricot, cream, and green tones. This colourful...

From$19.84
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$15.30
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

Phormium 'Emerald Gem' is a dwarf variety of Mountain Flax or Wharariki. It produces emerald-green leaves and grows to 60 cm tall and 70 cm wide in...

From$17.28
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Jester'

Phormium 'Jester' is a showy variety of Flax that produces leaves that are striped with a broad, pink central band and a dark purple border. This...

From$19.84
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$127.57

Popular Flaxes

phormium-pink-panther-
Most Popular

Phormium Pink Panther

Phormium Pink Panther produces long, sword like leaves that are candy pink with red-bronze margins. This Flax typically grows to 1.2 m tall and the...

From$19.84
phormium-moonraker--3
Most Popular

Phormium Moonraker (Moonraker Flax)

Phormium Moonraker is a variety of Flax that produces cream and green leaves, and grows with a tidy and compact habit to about 75 cm tall and the...

From$19.84
Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' plants in a garden.
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Dianella 'Little Rev'

Dianella 'Little Rev' is a compact, clump-forming evergreen known for its striking blue-grey foliage and architectural form. This Blue Flax-Lily...

From$14.72
Large Astelia banksii with cascading green leaves.
Most Popular

Astelia banksii (Wharawhara)

Astelia banksii, commonly known as Wharawhara or Shore Astelia, is a striking New Zealand native plant celebrated for its silver-grey, strap-like...

From$134.27
Cordyline 'Electric Pink' plants in pots for sale.
Most Popular

Cordyline Electric Pink

Cordyline 'Electric Pink' is a bold, eye-catching plant with vibrant pink and burgundy striped foliage that adds instant colour to any New Zealand...

From$39.62
Phormium tenax

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Our garden favourites Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Magnolia grandiflora Little Gem, Callistemon Genoa Glory (Bottlebrush), and Citrus medica sarcodactylis.
–The Plant Company

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