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flax tree

The flax tree is a true icon of New Zealand gardens and landscapes. Renowned for its bold, architectural foliage and impressive versatility, the flax tree is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to add year-round texture, colour, and low-maintenance beauty to their outdoor space. Whether you’re seeking a strong structural plant for a modern garden, a hardy native for wetland restoration, or simply a striking focal point, the flax tree offers an abundance of benefits. With its sword-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes that attract native birds like the tūī and bellbird, the flax tree is as valuable for biodiversity as it is for design.

Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

Phormium tenax

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.

Phormium 'Dark Delight'

5 from 3 customers

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 bronze shades. This striking ornamental variety brings drama, colour, and structure to gardens year round. Hardy and versatile, it thrives in a wide range of NZ conditions, from coastal sites to urban landscapes. Phormium 'Dark Delight' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low maintenance, architectural feature.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

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$17.48
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.

Phormium 'Black Rage'

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This...

From$20.93
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$18.23
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$16.13
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$18.23
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2

Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a variety of the commonly known, Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$16.13
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...

From$117.09
phormium-stripy-mist-

Phormium 'Stripy Mist'

Phormium Stripy Mist is a popular NZ native dwarf flax that features striking green leaves with a chocolate brown centre. It grows as a very tidy...

From$20.93
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$18.23
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.

Phormium 'Jester'

Phormium 'Jester' is a showy variety of Flax that produces leaves that are striped with a broad, pink central band and a dark purple border. This...

From$20.93
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$18.83
dianella-caerulea-goddess-

Dianella Goddess

Dianella Goddess is a variety of the commonly known, NZ Flax Lily, and produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$20.18
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$18.23
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
Phormium tenax

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Dianella, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Phormium, Schefflera, Schinus, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Flaxes, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search flax tree

What is the Flax Tree?

Despite its common name, the flax tree is not a true tree but rather a large, clumping perennial native to New Zealand. Plants in the genus Phormium, such as Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum, are commonly called flax trees. Grown for their dramatic foliage, which can range from deep green to vibrant shades of red, bronze, and gold, flax trees are highly resilient and thrive in a variety of conditions from coastal gardens to rural farms.

Uses for Flax Trees in the Garden

Flax trees can be used as specimen plants, in mass plantings, for shelter belts, or for attractive evergreen screening. Garden designers often choose cultivars like Phormium 'Taya' (Taya Flax) and Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax) for their stunning foliage colours and tidy forms. The robust root system of the flax tree makes it an ideal choice for stabilising banks and controlling erosion, especially in wet or exposed sites. Flax trees are also fantastic when used around ponds, streams, or as a backdrop in a native planting scheme.

Popular Flax Tree Varieties

Among the most popular is Phormium tenax, often called harakeke. This variety is a classic choice for both home gardens and restoration projects, growing into a large clump with upright, strong leaves. Phormium cookianum offers a softer, arching appearance perfect for mixed perennial borders. For gardeners seeking unique foliage, cultivars like Phormium 'Velvet Underground', Phormium 'Taya' (Taya Flax), and Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax) bring bold splashes of colour that really stand out.

Growing and Caring for Flax Trees

Flax trees are low-care and highly adaptable. They’ll tolerate full sun to part shade and thrive in most soil types, including those that are damp or coastal. While they are drought tolerant once established, regular watering helps them look their best through dry periods. Simply trim off old or damaged leaves at the base to keep your flax tree looking lush and tidy. Flax trees are virtually pest-free and rarely troubled by diseases, making them an easy choice for both new and experienced gardeners.

Bring structure and natural beauty to your garden with the New Zealand flax tree. Explore our selection including Phormium tenax, Phormium cookianum, Phormium 'Taya' (Taya Flax), Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax), and Phormium 'Velvet Underground' to discover the perfect variety for your landscape.


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.

–The Plant Company

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