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coastal flax

Coastal flax is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and versatile native plants. Renowned for its tolerance of tough seaside conditions, coastal flax thrives in salty winds, sandy soils, and harsh sunlight. Whether you’re designing a coastal garden, restoring a dune landscape, or seeking a hardy feature plant, coastal flax is a resilient and attractive choice. Its structural, sword-shaped leaves and graceful flower spikes add striking vertical interest, while supporting native birdlife and pollinators. As a low-maintenance, evergreen option, coastal flax is perfect for creating windbreaks, soil stabilisation, and lush green borders that persist year-round.

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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 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.

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 '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$14.95
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$14.95
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 '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-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
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 '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 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 Green' plants in a mixed planting.
Phormium 'Emerald Green'

Phormium 'Emerald Green' is a compact New Zealand flax valued for its rich emerald green foliage and tidy growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides...

From$14.95
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
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
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.
Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$169.24
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Dianella 'Kentlyn'

Dianella 'Kentlyn' is a hardy evergreen flax lily valued for its graceful arching blue green foliage that provides year round colour and texture...

From$16.49
Callistemon 'Little John' shrub in a courtyard garden covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Little John'

Callistemon 'Little John' is a compact dwarf bottlebrush celebrated for its deep red flowers and fine blue green foliage. Flowering from spring into...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' shrub with purple flowers.
Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Burgundy Jack' is a striking bottlebrush renowned for its vivid burgundy red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. Blooming from...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

From$37.19
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$27.53
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

From$11.95
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

From$515.35
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

From$37.19
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

From$14.95
Metrosideros Vibrance red flowers amidst lush foliage on a mature tree.
Metrosideros 'Vibrance'

Metrosideros 'Vibrance' is a compact, evergreen tree prized for its vivid red flowers and dense, silver-green foliage. Typically growing to 4-5...

From$34.43
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Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

Elaeagnus Ebbingei is a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand gardens for its dense, silver-green foliage and coastal tolerance...

From$28.91
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Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

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Search coastal flax

Why Choose Coastal Flax?

Coastal flax stands out for its adaptability to New Zealand’s ever-changing coastal environments. This species, commonly known as harakeke, can withstand salt-laden winds and poor soils where other plants may struggle. Its extensive root system helps prevent erosion, making it an eco-friendly solution for binding sandy banks and protecting dunes. In gardens, coastal flax brings bold architectural style and works beautifully as a backdrop or statement plant, blending seamlessly with both native and exotic species.

Planting and Care Tips

To plant coastal flax successfully, select a sunny or partly shaded location with well-draining soil. Coastal flax is remarkably drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal attention. Occasional removal of older leaves and flower stalks keeps the plant looking tidy. When used in mass plantings or as a striking single specimen, coastal flax reliably delivers form and texture without demanding much maintenance.

Coastal Flax Varieties

Exploring different varieties of New Zealand flax gives you even more design flexibility. Alongside traditional coastal flax, you may want to consider vibrant cultivars for added colour and interest. For pale, variegated foliage, Phormium 'Moonraker' (Moonraker Flax) offers soft creamy-green hues ideal for brightening coastal beds. Phormium 'Licorice and Lime' (Licorice and Lime Flax) makes a bold statement with dramatic dark and lime-striped leaves, while Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant) brings a flush of deep purple tones. For a tighter, more upright form, Phormium 'Surfer Boy' (Surfer Boy Flax) is a compact variety that thrives near the sea, and Phormium 'Red Fingers' (Red Fingers Flax) injects rich red highlights to your coastal planting.

Coastal Flax in Sustainable Landscaping

Using coastal flax in your garden supports biodiversity and sustainable landscaping practices. This native plant provides shelter and nectar for birds like tui and bellbird, while the dense foliage offers habitat for insects. Coastal flax is a traditional weaving plant treasured in Maori culture, and its fibres are still used in craft and restoration projects.

If you’re designing for New Zealand’s unique climate, coastal flax brings year-round structure, texture, and durability to any garden space. Explore our collection of flax varieties to discover plants that combine resilience with striking visual appeal, perfectly suited for coastal and exposed sites.


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.

–The Plant Company

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