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green flax plant

Searching for a vibrant, hardy green flax plant to transform your garden? This New Zealand native, known for its bold foliage and architectural presence, is prized by landscapers and home gardeners alike. With lush, sword-like leaves and easy-care characteristics, the green flax plant is a staple in gardens throughout Aotearoa. Centuries ago, Māori cultivated flax for weaving, but today it’s just as valued for its beauty and versatility. Whether you’re aiming for a low-maintenance border, striking feature plant, or an eco-friendly solution for erosion control, green flax offers it all in a fresh, lively hue.

Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

Phormium tenax

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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.

From $7.50

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
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 round texture, movement, and structure, making it a versatile choice for gardens of all sizes.

From $19.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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
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 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$14.95
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$14.95
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$20.63
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$14.95
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...

From$249.95
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera 'Green'

Carex flagellifera 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows...

From$12.95
grevillea-cream-and-green-
Grevillea 'Cream and Green'

Grevillea 'Cream and Green' is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its soft cream flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering over a long period...

From$24.95
Griselinia 'Gecko Green' plants growing as a hedge.
Griselinia 'Gecko Green'

Griselinia 'Gecko Green' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fresh green foliage, dense growth, and dependable year round structure. It...

From$18.95
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra 'Green Allure'

Lomandra 'Green Allure' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with fine fresh green foliage and a neat clumping habit. It is an excellent choice for...

From$16.95
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich...

From$17.95
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans 'Green'

Carex comans 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
fraxinus-green-glow-
Fraxinus 'Green Glow'

Fraxinus 'Green Glow' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its fresh green foliage, upright form, and dependable seasonal structure. The leafy...

From$511.09
callistemon-green-john-
Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Green John' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fresh green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

From$27.53
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.
Thuja 'Green Giant'

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a...

From$16.95
Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.
Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

From$17.95
cupressus-green-spire-2
Cupressus 'Green Spire' (Cupressus Green Spire)

Cupressus 'Green Spire' is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries fine, dark green foliage...

From$28.91
Buxus 'Green Gem' dense hedge.
Buxus 'Green Gem'

Buxus 'Green Gem' is a compact, evergreen boxwood plant that is ideal for low hedges, borders, and topiary in New Zealand gardens. It forms a dense...

From$17.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Sedum 'Green Blob' with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
Sedum 'Green Blob'

Sedum 'Green Blob' is grown for its bright green foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of small and succulent, rounded foliage. These...

From$21.39
Fagus 'Dawyck Green' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green'

Fagus sylvatica 'Dawyck Green', also known as Green Beech, is a stunning columnar tree with dense, glossy green foliage. Its upright, narrow growth...

From$270.40
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
Phormium tenax

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Dianella, and Phormium, or related Categories - Flaxes, and Grasses.

Search green flax plant

What Makes the Green Flax Plant Special?

The green flax plant stands out for its robust nature. Its evergreen leaves can reach impressive heights, providing texture throughout the seasons. These plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, tolerate coastal winds, and cope well with wet or dry soils. Flax adapts remarkably, making it suitable for a range of New Zealand climates—from urban gardens to rural blocks. Its dense root system helps prevent soil erosion, and its upright form creates elegant lines in both contemporary and classic landscaping schemes.

Popular Varieties of Green Flax

Several green flax cultivars offer unique foliage and growth habits. The classic Phormium tenax is treasured for its sweeping green blades and immense durability—ideal for larger spaces or as a standout feature. For smaller gardens or compact spaces, consider Phormium 'Green Dwarf', which offers all the lush greenery of standard flax in a petite, manageable form.

If you’re looking for a flax with a touch of character, the adorable Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax) combines vibrant green hues with a tidy, compact habit. Perfect for borders or container planting, it brings the classic beauty of flax to patios, decks, and tight spots.

Design Uses in the Garden

Green flax plants are incredibly adaptable. They complement native planting schemes, create striking contrast alongside coloured foliage, and work well as specimen plants in mixed borders. Their tidy, upright habit makes them excellent for formal hedging, driveway edges, or as natural windbreaks.

Pair green flax with other architectural foliage plants to add drama and texture. For interior design, look to foliage-forward options like Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) or Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant), both of which thrive indoors and complement flax in outdoor containers.

Caring for Your Green Flax Plant

Green flax plants require minimal attention. Water newly planted flax regularly until established, then enjoy their drought-resilience. Prune away spent flower stalks and damaged leaves in autumn or spring to keep plants tidy. To promote lush growth, mulch yearly with organic matter and consider feeding with a slow-release fertiliser early in the growing season.

For a garden standout that’s both practical and stylish, the green flax plant ticks every box. Explore our selection of New Zealand flaxes to find the perfect fit for your landscape, and discover how this native favourite can elevate your outdoor spaces.

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.
Think you know our range? Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' are just the beginning — check out Camellia 'Pure Silk', Corokia 'Geenty's Giant', and Bougainvillea 'Krishna'.
–The Plant Company

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