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european flax

European flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a remarkable, versatile plant valued for both its attractive appearance and its practical uses. Native to the Mediterranean region, this ancient species is well-known for its stunning blue flowers, delicate foliage, and slender stems. European flax holds a special place in gardens across New Zealand not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its rich history in textiles, nutrition, and sustainable gardening. If you're searching for a graceful, low-maintenance plant to enhance your outdoor space, or interested in the benefits of European flax, you're in the right place.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

5 from 1 customers

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from late spring into summer, it brings bold colour and attracts bees and birds into New Zealand gardens.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
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. Delicate blue flowers appear during spring and early summer, followed by attractive blue berries that extend the seasonal display.

From $16.49

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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
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 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
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$17.95
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 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
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
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
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
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-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
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 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 '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
Dianella Revelation plants growing in a garden.
Dianella 'Revelation'

Dianella 'Revelation' features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which...

From$16.49
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 '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...

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
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.
Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$16.49
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
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
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$34.95
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Phormium 'Cream Delight' plant in a garden.
Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax)

Phormium 'Cream Delight' is a variety of Flax that produces leaves that are variegated with dark green and cream. This variety grows to 1.3 m tall...

OUT OF STOCK
A Phormium 'Guardsman' colourful flax plants in pots.
Phormium 'Guardsman'

Phormium 'Guardsman' is a variety of flax that produces long and broad leaves that are brown with a pink margin. This Flax typically grows to 1.3 m...

OUT OF STOCK
A Phormium cookianum hookeri plant with green foliage and yellow flowers.
Phormium cookianum hookeri

Phormium cookianum hookeri is a variety of flax that produces long and broad, gently arching, green leaves. This flax typically grows to 2 m tall and...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Crimson Devil' plant with colourful foliage in a garden.
Phormium 'Crimson Devil' (Red Flax)

Phormium 'Crimson Devil' is a variety of Flax that produces leaves that are coloured various shades of red. This flax grows to 1.3 m tall and the...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Phormium 'Evening Glow' plant in a garden.
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...

OUT OF STOCK
phormium-tenax-purpurea-1
Phormium tenax purpureum (Purple Flax)

Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' is a bold New Zealand flax valued for its rich purple bronze foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen native...

OUT OF STOCK
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search european flax

Why Choose European Flax for Your Garden

European flax is celebrated for its delicate, sky-blue blossoms that emerge from late spring through summer. These flowers attract pollinators, bringing a burst of life to your garden beds, borders, or wildflower meadows. The plant's fine foliage and tidy habit make it perfect for contemporary landscapes, cottage gardens, and even container plantings. Its drought tolerance means it thrives in New Zealand's varied climates with minimal care, requiring only well-drained soil and a sunny site for robust growth.

Ornamental and Practical Uses

The benefits of European flax extend beyond aesthetics. Historically, its strong fibres have been used to create linen fabric for millennia, while the seeds (known as linseeds) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and often sprinkled on cereal or used to produce healthy flaxseed oil. In the garden, European flax is a reliable ground cover, helps prevent soil erosion, and can be integrated into pollinator-friendly plantings to support bees and butterflies. Its upright growth and swaying flower stems add texture and movement to mixed plantings, pairing beautifully with other architectural foliage plants.

Companion Plants and Alternatives

If you love the look of European flax, you may also enjoy the bold structure and vibrant colours of New Zealand native flaxes, such as Phormium 'Surfer Boy' (Surfer Boy Flax), which offers strappy, green leaves with a compact form ideal for borders or pots. For a pop of dramatic colour, consider Phormium 'Red Fingers' (Red Fingers Flax), renowned for its deep red hues that contrast beautifully with the cooler tones of European flax. If you’re after a smaller, decorative option, Phormium 'Pixie' (Pixie Flax) fits perfectly into rockeries or small garden spaces, and for a striking variegated effect, Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax) brings light and dimension to every planting scheme. For gardeners looking for grass-like texture, Dianella Kentlyn provides spiky blue-green foliage and pretty blue flowers.

Growing European Flax in New Zealand

European flax is simple to establish from either seed or young plants. For best results, plant in full sun and provide fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce irrigation as the plant matures. European flax is generally pest-resistant, making it a hassle-free choice for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Trim plants back after flowering to keep them tidy and encourage new growth.

By adding European flax to your garden, you bring visual interest, ecological value, and a fascinating history to your outdoor space. Whether paired with New Zealand natives like Phormium 'Surfer Boy' (Surfer Boy Flax) or the architectural Dianella Kentlyn, European flax proves itself an adaptable and enduring favourite for Kiwi gardeners.

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.
Our garden favourites Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Helleborus 'Pink Hybrid' (Hellebore), Hebe 'Wiri Image', and Prunus lusitanica.
–The Plant Company

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