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Tenax 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$20.46
A large Phormium 'Evening Glow' plant in a garden.
Most Popular

Phormium 'Evening Glow'

Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a variety of Flax that produces long and broad, sword-like leaves that are coloured various shades of pink and red with a...

From$20.46
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$15.77
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$17.82
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$20.46

Popular Flaxes

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$131.55
Dianella tasmanica (Tasman Flax Lily) plants with green foliage and blue flowers.
Most Popular

Dianella tasmanica

Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green and have a lush...

From$18.41
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$138.46
dianella-blaze-
Most Popular

Dianella Blaze

Dianella Blaze features broad and gently arching, bronze-purple leaves that are very showy. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and the same wide...

From$15.77
phormium-stripy-mist-
Most Popular

Phormium Stripy Mist

Phormium Stripy Mist is a popular NZ native dwarf flax that features striking green leaves with a chocolate brown centre. It grows as a very tidy...

From$20.46
Phormium tenax

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We all know Alchemilla mollis and Aesculus Briotii, but the real surprises come from plants like Calathea Burle Marx, Fagus sylvatica Riversii, and Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'.
–The Plant Company

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