Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

blue flax growing conditions

Blue flax is a striking perennial prized for its delicate sky-blue flowers and feathery foliage. If you’re keen to add this hardy beauty to your garden, understanding blue flax growing conditions is key to its success, especially in New Zealand’s variable climate. With the right spot and care, blue flax (Linum perenne) thrives in borders, wildflower meadows, and low-maintenance landscapes. Read on for expert tips to help your blue flax bloom abundantly.

Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' plants in a garden.

Dianella 'Little Rev'

Dianella 'Little Rev' (Blue Flax Lily) is a compact and hardy ornamental grass like plant valued for its attractive blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant performs exceptionally well in New Zealand conditions and is widely used in modern gardens and landscape projects. It provides year round structure and texture while requiring very little maintenance once established. Dianella 'Little Rev' is ideal for borders, mass planting, containers, and difficult dry areas where reliable colour and strong performance are desired.

From $15.87

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Riparian
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2

Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a variety of the commonly known, Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue undertone. Flower stems rise above the foliage through spring to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers which result in blue berries. It grows to 60 cm tall and 40 cm wide in full sun or partial shade. Dianella Kentlyn is commonly mass planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, planted around the base of large trees, grown around water features such as streams and ponds, or included in cottage gardens. This is a popular plant.

From $16.49

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Wet
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
dianella-caerulea-goddess-
Dianella Goddess

Dianella Goddess is a variety of the commonly known, NZ Flax Lily, and produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$20.63
Dianella Revelation plants growing in a garden.
Dianella 'Revelation'

Dianella 'Revelation' features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which...

From$16.49
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.
Podocarpus Matapouri Blue (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

From$30.29
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$12.95
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

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...

From$7.50
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$323.65
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
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$17.95
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$9.95
phormium-veneer-
Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

From$12.95
phlebodium-blue-star-
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
cupressus-blue-ice-4
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$82.92
A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.
Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to...

From$17.95
Dianella caerulea 'Breeze' growing in a roadside garden.
Dianella 'Breeze'

Dianella 'Breeze' (Turutu) is a hardy and attractive perennial that brings lush, strappy green foliage and clusters of delicate blue flowers to New...

From$16.49
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Phormium 'Jack Spratt'

Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand native flax varieties, admired for its narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze to dark...

From$12.95
prostanthera-eddington-blue-
Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue'

Prostanthera 'Eddington Blue' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of vibrant blue mauve flowers and highly aromatic foliage. This...

From$27.53
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$12.95
Liriope muscari 'Blue Skies' plant with blue flowers and green foliage in a garden.
Liriope 'Blue Skies'

Liriope 'Blue Skies' is a blue-flowering Liriope that forms a tidy clump and features strap-like, dark green leaves. Flower spikes rise above the...

From$14.50
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small...

From$23.39
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...

From$12.95
eucalyptus-baby-blue-2
Eucalyptus Baby Blue (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
A Rosemary 'Blue Lagoon' shrub with blue flowers in a mixed planting.
Rosmarinus 'Blue Lagoon'

Rosmarinus ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and vibrant deep blue flowers. Blooming from late winter through...

From$22.01
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$29.75
An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

From$22.01
Stunning, dark blue flowers on Salvia 'Blue Angel].
Salvia 'Blue Angel'

Salvia 'Blue Angel' is a beautiful perennial known for its soft blue flower spikes that appear generously across summer and autumn in New Zealand...

From$27.53
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...

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...

From$17.95
Blueberry 'Powder Blue' blue berries with lush, green foliage.
Blueberry 'Powder Blue'

Blueberry 'Powder Blue' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its sweet flavour, firm berries, and extended harvest period. This reliable...

From$30.29
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
pb-65-planter-bags-
PB6.5 Planter Bags (Grow Bags On Line)

These PB6.5 planter bags are 100 microns thick and hold 3.6 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$44.86
Dianella 'Little Rev'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Blueberry, Cupressus, Dianella, Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Liriope, Phlebodium, Phormium, Pimelea, Pittosporum, Podocarpus, Prostanthera, Rosmarinus, and Salvia,, or related Categories - Growing media, Planter Bags, Blueberry Plants, Conifer Trees, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Evergreen Trees.

Search blue flax growing conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Blue flax prefers a sunny position. Full sun is ideal, but it can also tolerate light shade, especially in hotter inland regions. An open, airy site encourages vigorous flowering and keeps plants compact. Avoid planting blue flax under dense trees or in shaded corners, as this can cause weak growth and fewer blooms.

Soil and Drainage

Well-draining soil is crucial for blue flax. It naturally grows in rocky or sandy environments, so heavy clay or waterlogged soils can lead to root rot. Amend dense earth with compost, sand, or fine gravel to boost drainage and fertility. Slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6–7) are best, but blue flax is quite adaptable. Regular garden loam works well, provided it doesn’t stay soggy after rain.

Watering and Drought Tolerance

Once established, blue flax is remarkably drought-tolerant. Seedlings and new plants need consistent moisture to settle in; after that, water fortnightly during dry periods. Overwatering is the main risk—let the soil dry out between watering sessions. Mulching with organic material helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds without smothering the stems.

Temperature and Frost

Blue flax is suited to New Zealand’s temperate climates and handles frost well. In particularly cold southern locations, roots may benefit from a protective mulch in winter, though established plants generally survive freezing temperatures. Growth resumes briskly in spring, with flowers appearing from early summer.

Planting and Spacing

Blue flax should be spaced around 30–40cm apart, allowing airflow and room for its slender stems to sway. Plant seeds or young plants in autumn or early spring for the best start. For a soft blue border or wildflower look, scatter groups through mixed perennial beds.

Companion Plants

Blue flax pairs effortlessly with other sun-loving natives and hardy perennials. If you’re experimenting with flax varieties, consider combining blue flax with robust hybrids like Dianella 'Little Rev', Dianella Kentlyn, or Dianella 'Little Jess' for contrasting foliage and year-round interest. Dianella Goddess and Dianella 'Revelation' also offer gorgeous texture and colour for informal garden schemes.

Maintenance Tips

Blue flax is easy-care. Trim spent flower stems to encourage ongoing blooms and tidy appearance. Every few years, divide clumps to rejuvenate older plants and prevent crowding. If self-seeding is unwanted, deadhead flowers before seeds drop.

Conclusion

By understanding blue flax growing conditions—sun, well-drained soil, modest water, and companion planting—you’ll get the best from this lovely New Zealand garden plant. Whether tucked among natives like Dianella 'Little Rev' or set in mixed borders, blue flax adds lasting colour and charm with minimal effort.

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.
Gardenia 'Veitchii' and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata', Rosmarinus officinalis, and Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews