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 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 $17.48
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 $20.93
