flax plant varieties
Discovering the right flax plant varieties for your New Zealand garden opens up a world of landscaping opportunities. Phormium, commonly known as New Zealand flax, is prized for its striking foliage, low maintenance, and adaptability to a variety of growing conditions. Whether you’re after vibrant accent plants, hardy border options, or striking container specimens, there’s a flax plant to suit every need. On this page, we’ll highlight some of the most popular flax plant varieties, explore their best uses in the garden, and help you select the right one for your space.
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 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.
From $9.95
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.
From $7.50
