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dwarf red flax

Searching for dwarf red flax to bring vibrant colour, texture, and easy-care beauty to your garden? Dwarf red flax is a stunning, compact plant with rich burgundy-red foliage—perfect for adding contrast and structure to borders, pots, or native gardens. As a member of New Zealand’s iconic Phormium family, dwarf red flax gives a contemporary edge to landscaping while providing year-round interest and resilience to wind, coastal conditions, and drought. Whether you’re creating a modern outdoor space or embracing native plantings, dwarf red flax is a versatile choice for most gardens.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

5 from 2 customers

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New Zealand native, it typically grows to around 1.5–2 metres tall, making it ideal for low hedges, borders, and coastal gardens. This variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of wind, salt spray, and dry conditions. Low-maintenance and naturally tidy, ‘Stephens Island’ is an excellent choice for structured, native-themed landscapes.

From $22.01

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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 flowers from late spring through summer, attracting bees and birds while offering bold colour in New Zealand gardens. Hardy, sun loving and tolerant of coastal exposure, it delivers excellent performance with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and low care planting schemes.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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
leptospermum-red-falls--3
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

From$27.53
leptospermum-red-damask--1
Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

From$27.53
Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

From$16.95
hebe-red-edge-
Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe 'Red Edge' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its distinctive foliage with red tinged edges that intensify in cooler weather, adding year...

From$20.63
Leptospermum 'Electric Red' plant with red flowers.
Leptospermum 'Electric Red'

Leptospermum 'Electric Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vivid red flowers that create a bold and eye catching display in spring. The...

From$27.53
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
acer-red-sunset-2
Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
grevillea-red-clusters-4
Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

From$28.91
Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

From$27.53
A cluster of Hoya 'Red Buttons' purple and red flowers.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Red Button'

Hoya 'Red Button' is a popular variety of Hoya that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing...

From$27.53
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

From$27.53
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$323.65
callistemon-red-alert-4
Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

From$27.53
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$30.29
Hibiscus 'Red Knight' large and showy, red flower.
Hibiscus 'Red Knight'

Hibiscus 'Red Knight' is a striking flowering shrub prized for its large deep red blooms and lush glossy foliage. This tropical style hibiscus...

From$19.95
A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.91
A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

From$344.95
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' plant in a pot with stunning red flowers and lush, purple-green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red'

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' is a bold and dramatic deciduous shrub admired for its deep red mophead flowers set against dark stems and rich green foliage...

From$27.95
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
Hypoestes 'Splash Red' plant with colourful red folaige.
Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Hypoestes 'Splash Red' is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its bright green leaves boldly splashed with deep red markings. This compact and...

From$26.15
azalea-red-wings-
Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

From$18.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
leucothoe-curly-red-2
Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red, commonly known as Dog Hobble, is a beautiful shrub which is grown of its colourful and curly foliage. New foliage is...

From$26.15
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
azalea-mrs-kint-red-
Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red'

Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' is a vibrant evergreen azalea admired for its rich red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The bold blooms sit...

From$32.95
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$35.81
camellia-roma-red-
Camellia Roma Red

Camellia 'Roma Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers bold winter to spring colour in...

From$34.95
Hibiscus 'Red Heart' white flower with a red centre.
Hibiscus 'Red Heart'

Hibiscus 'Red Heart' is a stunning flowering shrub admired for its large white blooms highlighted by a bold deep red centre. This eye catching...

From$19.95
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Callistemon, and Carex, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search dwarf red flax

What Is Dwarf Red Flax?

Dwarf red flax refers to several compact varieties of Phormium, commonly called New Zealand flax. These smaller selections feature deep red or bronze foliage and maintain a tidy, clumping habit, typically growing to 50–80 cm tall. With their striking colour, dwarf red flax plants offer an eye-catching accent in containers, mixed borders, or around patios. Unlike larger flax varieties, dwarf forms are well-suited to smaller spaces and urban gardens, making them accessible for gardeners everywhere.

For one of the most popular options, consider Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax). This variety has lush, arching leaves and a petite size, making it ideal for compact planting schemes. Its durability and minimal care needs make it a beloved staple in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Uses for Dwarf Red Flax in New Zealand Gardens

Dwarf red flax is incredibly versatile, fitting beautifully into many garden styles:

Pair dwarf red flax with other compact natives like Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo), or mix it alongside perennials such as Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet (Hot Poker Plant) for a bold blend of colour and texture. If you prefer additional flair, try combining it with Grevillea Red Clusters (Red Clusters Grevillea) or Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily) for a seamless fusion of native and exotic interest.

Growing and Caring for Dwarf Red Flax

Dwarf red flax is prized for its hardy nature. It tolerates a range of soils, provided they are well-drained, and thrives in full sun to light shade. Once established, it withstands dry periods and wind, requiring minimal maintenance. Simply remove dead leaves at the base as needed to keep your plant looking fresh and tidy.

For best colour, ensure your dwarf red flax enjoys plenty of sunlight. Feed annually with a low-nitrogen fertiliser to encourage vibrant foliage and robust growth. If planting in containers, refresh the potting mix every two years.

Why Choose Dwarf Red Flax?

Dwarf red flax is an easy-care, go-to plant for New Zealand gardens. Its compact habit, striking foliage, and robust adaptability make it a top pick for everyone from beginner gardeners to landscape designers. Need a low-maintenance, standout feature? Discover Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax) and enjoy year-round colour and contemporary style in your outdoor space.

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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.
Our most famous blooms include Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Ficus benjamina variegata, but some of our best-kept secrets are Leptospermum 'Outrageous', Feijoa 'Bambina', and Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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