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dwarf phormium

Dwarf phormium, also known as dwarf flax, is a versatile and low-maintenance New Zealand native plant perfect for smaller gardens, borders, and pots. Favoured for its compact size and striking, architectural foliage, dwarf phormium brings year-round texture and colour to any outdoor space. Whether you’re after a neat, grassy groundcover or a bold statement plant for a modern landscape, varieties of dwarf phormium easily fit into almost any planting scheme. With their adaptability and resilience, these hardy evergreens thrive in a wide range of soils, tolerate dry and windy conditions, and are even suitable for coastal gardens. If you’re looking to add manageable size, vibrant shades, and a real Kiwi flair to your garden, exploring dwarf phormium options is a must.

Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.

Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

4.8 from 4 customers

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 full sun on a well-drained site.

From $8.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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 round texture, movement, and structure, making it a versatile choice for gardens of all sizes.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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 '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
Phormium 'Black Magic' plants in a large pot and featuring elegant, dark-coloured foliage.
Phormium 'Black Magic'

Phormium ‘Black Magic’ is a striking NZ flax prized for its deep purple black foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen variety adds year...

From$17.95
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
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
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

From$22.01
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
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
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
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
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 '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...

feijoa-bambina-
Feijoa 'Bambina'

Feijoa 'Bambina' is a compact, dwarf variety perfect for small gardens, patios, and containers. It grows to around 1.5 m tall and wide, forming a...

From$35.81
hymenosporum-gold-nugget--2
Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget'

Hymenosporum 'Gold Nugget' (Dwarf Frangipani) is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant creamy yellow...

From$34.43
callistemon-green-john-
Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Green John' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fresh green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

From$27.53
schefflera-arboricola-
Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

From$29.95
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
Phormium 'Elfin' flax plant.
Phormium 'Elfin'

Phormium 'Elfin' is a dwarf variety of flax that produces narrow, sword-like leaves that are coloured brown-bronze. This variety typically grows to...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.
Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Phormium 'Black Pepe' is a dwarf Flax variety that produces black leaves with a purple overtone. It grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide in full sun...

OUT OF STOCK
phormium-red-dwarf-
Phormium 'Red Dwarf'

Phormium 'Red Dwarf' is a compact New Zealand flax valued for its rich red foliage and tidy clumping form. This hardy evergreen adds bold colour and...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Sweet Mist' plants in a border garden.
Phormium 'Sweet Mist'

Phormium 'Sweet Mist' is a popular, dwarf flax that features bronze-coloured leaves. It grows to 40 cm tall and wide in full sun on a well-drained...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Sunset Dreams' colourful foliage.
Phormium 'Sunset Dreams'

Phormium 'Sunset Dreams' is a stunning New Zealand native flax variety celebrated for its vibrant foliage of pink, apricot, and bronze tones. This...

OUT OF STOCK
phormium-coffee-1
Phormium 'Coffee'

Phormium 'Coffee' is a striking New Zealand flax renowned for its rich coffee brown foliage that adds year round colour, texture, and structure to...

OUT OF STOCK
A colourful Phormium 'Merlot' dark red-purple flax plant.
Phormium 'Merlot'

Phormium Merlot is a variety of Flax that produces long and broad, sword like leaves that are coloured dark purple-grey with a distinctive black...

OUT OF STOCK
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Phormium 'Duet'

Phormium 'Duet' is a striking New Zealand flax valued for its attractive green leaves edged with creamy yellow margins. This evergreen plant provides...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Apricot Queen' orange, green, and yellow variegated foliage.
Phormium 'Apricot Queen'

Phormium 'Apricot Queen' is a stunning NZ flax variety valued for its arching leaves striped with apricot, cream, and green tones. This colourful...

OUT OF STOCK
phormium-moonraker--3
Phormium 'Moonraker'

Phormium 'Moonraker' is a striking New Zealand flax renowned for its bold cream to yellow foliage that brings exceptional brightness and structure to...

OUT OF STOCK
A Phormium 'Dazzler' plant with colourful, red and purple foliage.
Phormium 'Dazzler'

Phormium 'Dazzler' is a variety of flax that produces long leaves that are dark purple with rose-pink stripes. It typically grows to 1.2 m tall and...

OUT OF STOCK
phormium-taya-
Phormium 'Taya'

Phormium 'Taya' is a beautiful New Zealand flax valued for its elegant foliage and strong architectural form. This hardy evergreen provides year...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Phormium, and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Flaxes, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf phormium

What Is Dwarf Phormium

Dwarf phormium refers to smaller-growing cultivars of the iconic New Zealand flax (Phormium) species. Unlike their tall cousins that can reach several metres, dwarf phormiums stay compact, usually growing to 30–60 cm high. Their strap-like leaves come in a spectrum of colours—from glossy greens and dark bronzes through to unique variegated forms—making them ideal for adding foliage contrast and garden structure. Dwarf phormium hybrids have been bred for neatness, practicality, and stunning ornamental value, providing all the hardiness of traditional flax without outgrowing their welcome.

Popular Dwarf Phormium Varieties

Several standout dwarf phormium cultivars are treasured by gardeners across New Zealand. Each offers unique colour and visual interest:

How to Grow and Care for Dwarf Phormium

Caring for dwarf phormium is easy, making it a top pick for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Plant your dwarf phormium in well-drained soil where it receives full sun to part shade. Allow space for air flow, water regularly during the first season, and mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture. Once established, dwarf phormium tolerates dry spells and coastal wind, requiring only occasional tidying of old leaves. Dwarf phormiums rarely need feeding, but a slow-release fertiliser each spring boosts their lush foliage display.

Using Dwarf Phormium in the Garden

Dwarf phormium’s compact nature makes it extremely adaptable. Plant them in mass groupings for a dramatic, textured effect, pop them into decorative pots for patios, or use them to edge pathways and garden beds. Their tolerance for tough sites means they excel in both urban and coastal gardens. Try pairing Phormium 'Elfin' with other flax varieties for layers of contrasting colour, or mix Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax) with native grasses for a natural look.

Dwarf phormium is an essential addition to New Zealand gardens, offering resilience, colour, and tidy form in a wide range of landscaping situations. Explore our collection of compact flax varieties and discover the perfect dwarf phormium to suit your own outdoor oasis.

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.
Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Rosmarinus 'Chef's Choice' (Culinary Rosemary), Lomandra Little Pal, and Rhododendron Vireya 'Popcorn'.
–The Plant Company

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