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mountain flax phormium colensoi

Mountain flax Phormium colensoi is a standout native plant in New Zealand gardens, prized for its elegant foliage, adaptability, and cultural significance. This iconic NZ flax, called Wharariki in Māori, thrives in a range of landscapes from alpine slopes to coastal sand dunes. Its tough, arching green leaves and compact form make it a versatile choice for both residential and commercial gardens where you want a low-maintenance, sculptural accent. If you’re searching for plants that deliver year-round visual appeal and resilience, mountain flax Phormium colensoi ticks all the boxes.

Phormium cookianum

5 from 1 customers

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.

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 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.

Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

4.8 from 4 customers

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 full sun on a well-drained site. This dwarf flax 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: 60 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
phormium-veneer-

Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium Veneer is a colourful and very popular NZ native flax that features striking orange and brown stripes. It grows as a very tidy clump to...

From$20.18
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Phormium 'Stripy Mist'

Phormium Stripy Mist is a popular NZ native dwarf flax that features striking green leaves with a chocolate brown centre. It grows as a very tidy...

From$20.93
phormium-velvet-underground-1

Phormium 'Velvet Underground'

Phormium Velvet Underground is a colourful NZ native flax that features striking grey foliage with pink stripes. It grows as a very tidy clump to...

From$20.93
phormium-pepe-

Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium Pepe is a smaller variety of Flax that produces narrow and sword-like, bright green leaves. It typically grows to just 45 cm tall and the...

From$20.93
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$18.23
phormium-chocomint--2

Phormium 'Chocomint'

Phormium Chocomint is a popular variety of Flax owing to its colourful foliage which brown with green stripes. It grows to 1 m tall and wide in full...

From$24.23
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

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...

From$20.93
A large Phormium 'Evening Glow' plant in a garden.

Phormium 'Evening Glow'

Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a variety of Flax that produces long and broad, sword-like leaves that are coloured various shades of pink and red with a...

From$20.93
Phormium 'Black Pepe' dwarf flax plant.

Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Phormium 'Black Pepe' is a dwarf Flax variety that produces black leaves with a purple overtone. It grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide in full sun...

From$18.23
phormium-pink-panther-

Phormium 'Pink Panther'

Phormium Pink Panther produces long, sword like leaves that are candy pink with red-bronze margins. This Flax typically grows to 1.2 m tall and the...

From$20.93
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$16.13
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Jack Spratt'

Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand native flax varieties, admired for its narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze to dark...

From$18.23
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$18.23
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.

Phormium 'Jester'

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...

From$24.23
dianella-caerulea-goddess-

Dianella Goddess

Dianella Goddess is a variety of the commonly known, NZ Flax Lily, and produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$20.18
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Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its striking red...

From$28.28
podocarpus-laetus-

Podocarpus laetus (Mountain Totara)

Podocarpus laetus, commonly known as Mountain Totara, is an elegant NZ native tree that features small leaves which are held somewhat densely off...

From$343.89
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$21.53
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Prunus Mountain Haze

Prunus Mountain Haze Tree Size and Growth Habit

From$432.79
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Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$358.98

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dianella, Fuscospora, Phormium, Pittosporum, Podocarpus Prunus and Rhododendron, or related Categories - Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon Evergreen Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search mountain flax phormium colensoi

Why Choose Mountain Flax Phormium colensoi?

Phormium colensoi brings lasting structure and movement to gardens, thanks to its thick, sword-shaped leaves that sway gracefully in the wind. Unlike the more upright common flax, mountain flax gives a softer, more relaxed look, making it perfect for borders, native plantings, and erosion control. Its tolerance for poor soils, wind, and coastal conditions means you can rely on mountain flax Phormium colensoi wherever you need a hardy, drought-tolerant specimen. It also flourishes in wetland areas and alongside streams, offering shelter and food for birds and insects.

How to Grow Mountain Flax Phormium colensoi

Plant mountain flax Phormium colensoi in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. It’s remarkably easy to care for—just remove old leaves as they die back to keep the plant looking tidy. For best growth, water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first couple years. Once established, this NZ flax is highly tolerant of drought and neglect. Whether you’re restoring a native ecosystem or designing a contemporary garden, Phormium colensoi adapts seamlessly.

Creative Uses for Mountain Flax Phormium colensoi in Your Garden

Gardeners love mountain flax Phormium colensoi for its versatility. Use it as a specimen plant, in mixed borders for texture contrast, or as a reliable solution for stabilising slopes and preventing erosion. Its architectural foliage pairs beautifully with grasses and other native NZ species. Many designers also choose mountain flax to anchor coastal, wetland, or urban sustainable gardens. Plus, the plant’s striking flowers attract native birds and add seasonal interest.

Explore Other NZ Flaxes

If you’re investing in mountain flax Phormium colensoi, you might also want to discover other related flax species and cultivars. Explore Phormium colensoi for quality plants, or compare with Phormium cookianum, known for its broader leaves and robust growth. For colour and texture, consider Phormium 'Moonraker' (Moonraker Flax), Phormium 'Chocolate Chip' (Chocolate Chip Flax), or Phormium 'Red Fingers' (Red Fingers Flax)—all fantastic options for lively, low-maintenance landscaping.

Start Your Native Garden Project

Ready to add mountain flax Phormium colensoi to your garden or restoration project? This NZ native is a winning choice for sustainable landscapes, wildlife habitat, and striking visual effects. Browse our selection of Phormium colensoi and related flaxes to get started on your native planting vision today.


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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.

Think you know our range? Lomandra White Sands and Azara microphylla are just the beginning — check out Quercus robur Fastigiata, Amelanchier canadensis, and Lagerstroemia 'De Puard'.
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