Harakeke Phormium tenax
Harakeke Phormium tenax, widely known as New Zealand Flax, is a striking native plant that holds a special place in both gardens and traditional Māori culture. With its tall, sword-like leaves and impressive flower spikes, harakeke Phormium tenax brings bold structure, vibrant greenery, and year-round interest to a wide range of landscapes across New Zealand. Its resilience and versatility make it a favourite for urban gardens, lifestyle blocks, and larger native planting projects.
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 $15.11
- 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
