Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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different types of flax

Flax is a staple of New Zealand gardens, offering year-round structure, colour, and drama. Whether you are looking for architectural foliage, screening plants, or easy-to-grow natives, there are many different types of flax to suit your landscape. With their striking blades and resilience, flaxes are perfect for urban gardens, coastal locations, and mass planting. Explore the rich variety of New Zealand flaxes and discover how to use these stunning plants to transform your outdoor space.

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 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.

Buy Phormium tenax

From $20.93

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 '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 same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Phormium Pepe is a versatile plant that makes a fantastic addition to mixed plantings, border plantings, water features, coastal gardens, or outdoor living areas.

Buy Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

From $20.93

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

What Makes New Zealand Flax Special?

New Zealand flax, or Phormium, is renowned for its tough, evergreen foliage and upright form. The many different types of flax range in size, leaf colour, and form—from dwarf varieties ideal for container planting to tall statement flaxes that bring drama to any border. Phormiums are prized for their adaptability, handling wind, coastal exposure, and dry conditions once established.

Popular Different Types of Flax for Your Garden

Choosing from the different types of flax can be overwhelming with the vast selection available. Here are some standout cultivars every gardener should consider:

Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax)

This elegant cultivar features sword-like leaves boldly striped with cream, green, and a hint of pink. Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax) makes an eye-catching accent in mixed borders or containers and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Its variegated foliage brightens any part of the garden.

Phormium 'Licorice and Lime' (Licorice and Lime Flax)

Known for its striking black foliage edged with vibrant lime green, Phormium 'Licorice and Lime' (Licorice and Lime Flax) provides unique contrast in modern garden designs. This stylish variety pairs beautifully with other native plants and offers low-maintenance structure all year round.

Phormium 'Taya' (Taya Flax)

Compact and bushy, Phormium 'Taya' (Taya Flax) reaches around 60 cm and is perfect for borders, small gardens, or rockeries. Its blend of green and bronze foliage creates a naturalistic, textural effect, especially when planted en masse.

Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant)

If you love dramatic foliage, Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant) delivers with deep purple leaves that intensify as they mature. This variety makes a striking statement and works beautifully as a specimen or grouped with lighter-leaved plants.

Phormium 'Spearmint' (Spearmint Flax)

For a refreshing pop of colour, Phormium 'Spearmint' (Spearmint Flax) stands out with minty green leaves accented by creamy margins. It’s ideal for adding a soft, contemporary touch to pathways or poolside planting.

How to Use Different Types of Flax in the Landscape

With so many different types of flax to choose from, you can create layered plantings, accent features, or hardy windbreaks. Phormiums are fantastic in native garden designs, coastal settings, and mixed perennial beds. They require little maintenance, are drought tolerant once established, and their bold leaves provide interest every season.

Find the Right Flax for Your Garden

Explore our collection of different types of flax and add unique structure, texture, and colour to your outdoor space. With options from the classic Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax) to the eye-catching Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant), you’re sure to find a variety that enhances your garden style.

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.