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cookianum flax

Cookianum flax, also known as Phormium cookianum, Mountain Flax, or Wharariki, is an iconic New Zealand native treasured for its elegant form, vibrant green blades, and remarkable adaptability. This striking, arching flax is found naturally on windswept cliffs, coastal slopes, and alpine regions across Aotearoa, bringing a distinct Kiwi touch to gardens of every style. Whether you’re designing a contemporary landscape, a rugged coastal garden, or a lush native planting, cookianum flax offers enduring beauty, shelter, and easy maintenance.

Phormium cookianum

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Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall flower spikes. It typically grows 1–1.5 metres tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or coastal gardens. In summer, it produces yellow to orange tubular flowers that attract birds and pollinators. Hardy and tolerant of wind, salt, and poor soils, Wharariki thrives in full sun to part shade.

  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Flaxes
  • Height:
    1.50 m
  • Spread:
    1.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Banks, Living areas, Ponds
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
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$20.93
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
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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$16.13
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
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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$16.13
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
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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$24.23
Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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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$18.23
phormium-pepe-
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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium Pepe is a smaller variety of Flax that produces narrow and sword-like, bright green leaves. It typically grows to just 45 cm tall and the...

From$20.93
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Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

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Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
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Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

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

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Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium Veneer is a colourful and very popular NZ native flax that features striking orange and brown stripes. It grows as a very tidy clump to...

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Phormium cookianum

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What Makes Cookianum Flax Special?

Phormium cookianum stands out for its slender, arching leaves which grow up to 1–2 metres long. Unlike the more upright, robust New Zealand flax species, cookianum flax forms graceful fountains of foliage that sway gently in the wind. In early summer, mature plants send up dramatic flower spikes adorned with beautiful yellow or greenish blooms, which are a magnet for tui and bellbird. Its fibrous leaves were once highly valued for weaving and rope making, and today, this versatile plant is prized both in traditional and modern landscapes.

How to Grow and Care for Cookianum Flax

Cookianum flax is known for its resilience and can handle a range of conditions, from exposed coastal gardens to shaded bush settings. It thrives in well-drained soils but will tolerate damp sites if waterlogging is not an issue. Plant in full sun for compact growth and the richest foliage colour, or in part shade where you’ll enjoy a softer, greener appearance.

For best results: - Water young plants regularly until established, then reduce as they become drought tolerant - Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds - Remove spent flower spikes and any damaged leaves to keep plants tidy

Unlike some larger flax species, cookianum flax is more tolerant of wind and cool temperatures, making it a dependable choice for tough sites.

Landscaping with Cookianum Flax

The graceful form of cookianum flax makes it perfect for mass planting on banks or as an architectural feature in mixed borders. Pair it with contrasting textures like Cordyline Purple Tower or the dark foliage of Cordyline Red Star for drama and year-round interest. For more compact spaces or container gardens, consider the smaller and vibrant cultivars in our range.

If you love the look of cookianum flax, you might also enjoy exploring our selection of Phormium hybrids, including the fiery tones of Phormium 'Evening Glow', the unique hues of Phormium 'Jester', or the tidy habit of Phormium 'Jack Spratt'. For gardens seeking a reliable groundcover effect, Phormium 'Green Dwarf', Phormium 'Emerald Gem', Phormium 'Surfer', and Phormium 'Elfin' are also popular choices. For striking architectural height, Phormium 'Guardsman' brings vibrant colour and sturdy form.

Discover Cookianum Flax for Your NZ Garden

Whether you're restoring a native area, landscaping a coastal property, or simply looking for easy-care greenery, cookianum flax delivers with style and adaptability. Browse our collection of premium NZ flax varieties and let your landscape thrive with native beauty.


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.

Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Metrosideros 'Mistral', Tilia cordata, and Hemerocallis Moon Goddess that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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