Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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growing flax flowers

Growing flax flowers is an incredibly rewarding experience for both novice and experienced gardeners in New Zealand. Flax, known locally as harakeke, is celebrated not just for its striking foliage but also for its unique flower spikes that attract native birds such as tūī and bellbirds. With their architectural forms and vibrant displays, flax flowers add a stunning focal point to gardens, whether planted alone or en masse. If you're looking to develop a low-maintenance, bird-friendly landscape or simply enjoy watching these hardy natives burst into bloom, this guide explores everything you need to know about growing flax flowers.

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.

Buy Phormium cookianum

From $17.48

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 1.50 m

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Living areas, Ponds

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

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.

Buy Phormium tenax

From $20.93

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

Why Grow Flax Flowers?

Flax flowers make a bold statement in the garden. They rise above the distinctive strappy leaves in tall, often dramatic spires of red, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety. These blooms are an important food source for native wildlife, particularly nectar-feeding birds that flock to the blooms in spring and summer. Growing flax flowers also adds year-round interest, as the plants remain attractive even when not in flower.

Choosing the Right Flax Variety

Different varieties of flax offer various foliage colours, growth habits, and flower types. Some favourites include:

Phormium tenax: One of the most robust New Zealand native flax species, producing large red flower spikes loved by birds.
Phormium cookianum: Otherwise known as mountain flax, yielding graceful, arching leaves and softer flower tones.
Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax): Selected for outstanding garden performance and resilience, showing off unique flower stems each year.
Phormium tenax purpureum (Purple Flax): Known for richly coloured foliage and striking summer blooms.
Phormium 'Moonraker' (Moonraker Flax): A compact variety perfect for feature plantings or containers, with distinctive, bold flowering.

Tips for Successfully Growing Flax Flowers

Flax thrives in a wide range of conditions but will flower best with the right care:

Sun and Soil: Plant in full sun or partial shade. Well-drained soil is key; flax tolerates coastal exposure and wet conditions, but may not flower as prolifically if the site is overly dry or shaded.
Watering: New plants need watering until established, especially during dry spells. Mature flax rarely needs extra water once their roots are settled.
Feeding: Flax is generally low-fuss, but annual mulching with compost or controlled-release fertiliser in spring can support robust growth and more prolific flowering.
Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes and damaged leaves to maintain shape and promote new bloom development.

When and How to Expect Flax Flowers

Most Phormium varieties flower from late spring through summer. While young plants may take a few years to bloom, established flax will produce spectacular flower stalks that can reach over two metres tall. These flowers not only look magnificent but are essential for supporting pollinators and birds.

Growing Flax Flowers for Wildlife and Landscape Design

Flax flowers are valued for their ecological benefits as well as their beauty. Including selections such as Phormium 'Wildwood' (Wildwood Flax) or Phormium 'Moonraker' (Moonraker Flax) in your garden invites more wildlife and ensures year-round interest. For those aiming to create a native NZ planting theme, combining Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum ensures a tapestry of form and colour, all anchored by striking flower displays.

Growing flax flowers is a fantastic way to celebrate and support New Zealand's unique flora and fauna while creating a resilient, easy-care garden. With just a little attention, you'll enjoy these iconic blooms for years to come.

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.