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giant flax plant

The giant flax plant is an iconic feature of New Zealand landscapes, prized for its impressive height and robust leaves that make a dramatic statement in gardens large and small. Known for its architectural form and durability, this striking member of the Phormium genus is not only an ornamental favourite, but also a versatile performer in coastal, rural, and urban gardens. Whether you’re seeking to create a bold focal point, provide hardy shelterbelt solutions, or harness the traditional uses of flax, planting a giant flax plant offers endless possibilities to Kiwi gardeners and landscapers.

A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.

Phormium 'Jester'

5 from 1 customers

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 variety typically grows to 1 m tall and the same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Phormium 'Jester' is often added to mixed plantings and borders, used in coastal gardens, planted to accentuate water features such as ponds and streams, or grown around pool and barbecue areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
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

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Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.

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Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.

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Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

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Phormium 'Jester'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Ajuga, Alcantarea, Bergenia, Chlorophytum, Cyperus, Doryanthes, Duranta, Juncus, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Liriope, Monstera, Nepeta, Perovskia, Phormium, Protea, Sansevieria, Sedum, Sequoiadendron Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Plant pots, Bromeliads, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

Search giant flax plant

What Makes the Giant Flax Plant Stand Out?

The giant flax plant commonly refers to Phormium tenax, which can grow over three metres tall. Its upright, strappy leaves are thick and leathery, providing structure and texture year-round. The plant’s towering flower spikes attract native birds, including tui and bellbird, making it a superb choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Due to its size and resilience, giant flax is often planted for shelter, erosion control, and as a windbreak on exposed sites. It’s well-suited to New Zealand’s varied climates, tolerating both frost and coastal conditions.

Popular Varieties of Flax Plants

While the classic giant flax plant is represented by Phormium tenax, there are many other remarkable flax varieties suited to different garden situations:

Exploring these alternatives alongside the giant flax plant lets you tailor the impact and function of flax to suit your unique garden theme.

Uses for Giant Flax Plant in New Zealand Gardens

The giant flax plant is renowned for its versatility. Traditionally, flax was used by Māori for weaving, rope making, and numerous cultural purposes. In modern gardens, it’s a landscape workhorse:

Growing and Caring for Giant Flax Plant

The giant flax plant thrives in heavy soils, though it’s adaptable to most garden conditions. Plant in full sun to partial shade and space generously for best growth. Monitor for pests such as flax snails or scale, and remove dead leaves at the base to keep your plant healthy and tidy. Once established, flax needs little care, making it a low-maintenance addition to both urban and rural landscapes.

If you’re ready to bring the drama and resilience of the giant flax plant to your New Zealand garden, browse our selection including Phormium tenax and specialist cultivars like Phormium 'Jester', Phormium cookianum, Phormium 'Velvet Underground', and Phormium 'Emerald Gem'.


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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.

Lomandra Frosty Tops and Rhododendron Scented Sun have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Griselinia lucida, Acer 'Red Emperor', and Azalea 'Inga'.
–The Plant Company

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