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black new zealand flax

Black New Zealand flax is a dramatic, architectural staple in Kiwi gardens, renowned for its deep, dark foliage and striking presence. With their roots in Aotearoa, these native flaxes lend a bold look to landscapes, rockeries, and even modern courtyards. Whether you’re seeking a statement specimen or an easy-care accent plant, the black New Zealand flax offers versatility, toughness, and year-round colour.

Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' is a compact and stylish New Zealand native flax with narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze tones. This striking ornamental flax is perfect for adding colour contrast and texture to modern and traditional gardens. Its tidy, clump forming habit makes it suitable for smaller spaces, borders, and pots.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

Phormium tenax

5 from 2 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.

From $7.50

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
Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Phormium 'Surfer'

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching...

From$14.95
Phormium cookianum

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall...

From$14.95
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
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$8.50
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
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$249.95
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
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$8.50
phormium-pepe-
Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium 'Pepe' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its fine green foliage and neat mounding growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides year...

From$19.95
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$14.95
Dianella tasmanica (Tasman Flax Lily) plants with green foliage and blue flowers.
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$19.25
heuchera-black-taffeta--3
Heuchera 'Black Taffeta'

Heuchera 'Black Taffeta' is a dramatic perennial prized for its deeply cut, almost black foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

From$22.01
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' lush foliage.
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' is a dramatic perennial renowned for its intensely dark foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

From$20.63
Large Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) plants growing in clumps beside a path.
Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the more elegant and interesting bamboo varieties. It features erect, black stems that...

From$387.55
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
Rhododendron 'Black Magic' stunning, dark red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral'

Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its tall, upright leaves and dark green colouring with distinctive lighter...

From$32.95
black-polythene-2-m-wide-
2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades. Available...

From$254.60
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

From$138.40
Black Doris' plums.
Plum 'Black Doris'

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$404.59
camellia-japonica-black-lace-
Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$239.95
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
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Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$28.95
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
Photinia Black Jack dark red foliage.
Photinia 'Black Jack'

Photinia 'Black Jack' is a distinctive evergreen shrub valued for its deep red to burgundy new growth, glossy green mature foliage, and dense...

From$18.95
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$269.95
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.
Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$16.49
The best new lawn fertiliser in NZ.
New Lawn Fertiliser

Establishing a new lawn requires the proper nutrients to ensure robust root development and healthy growth. Our New Lawn Fertiliser, featuring...

From$5.95
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.
Phormium 'Black Rage'

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium Platts Black with black leaves in a garden.
Phormium 'Platts Black'

Phormium 'Platts Black' is a striking New Zealand native flax variety admired for its rich, dark purple to almost black foliage. This hardy evergreen...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Dianella, and Phormium, or related Categories - Flaxes, and Evergreen Trees.

Search black new zealand flax

What Is Black New Zealand Flax?

Black New Zealand flax refers to a group of Phormium cultivars known for their distinctive, rich purplish-black to near-black leaves. While Phormium tenax is the classic species found across New Zealand, black cultivars have been specially bred for their unique foliage colour. These plants typically grow in clumps, with sword-like leaves arching gracefully—perfect for adding movement and contrast to garden beds.

Popular Varieties of Black New Zealand Flax

Several varieties of black New Zealand flax are available, each bringing its own form and character:

How to Grow and Care for Black New Zealand Flax

Caring for black New Zealand flax is simple, thanks to its hardiness and adaptability. These plants thrive in full sun to part shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including coastal and exposed areas. Minimal watering is needed once established, and they require little maintenance other than the removal of old or damaged leaves.

To enhance leaf colour, ensure your plant receives good light—this intensifies those bold black hues. For enhanced contrast, consider pairing with silver foliage plants or bright natives, or underplant with lush groundcovers.

Uses for Black New Zealand Flax in the Garden

Black New Zealand flax is a favourite among landscape designers for its sculptural form and rich, dark colour. Try these creative applications:

Its bold silhouette makes black New Zealand flax the hero of any design, while also offering benefits like drought resistance and low maintenance.

Find Your Perfect Black New Zealand Flax

Whether you’re inspired by the compact Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax), the classic presence of Phormium tenax, or you want to explore other dark-leaved varieties such as Phormium 'Jack Spratt' or Phormium 'Surfer Bronze', our range of New Zealand flaxes is sure to elevate your garden’s style and structure. Browse our collection and discover the perfect black New Zealand flax to make your landscaping vision a reality.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' are tried and true, but new favourites like Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum), Pseudowintera 'Red Glow', and Magnolia 'Honey Tulip' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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