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new zealand flax bush

The New Zealand flax bush is an iconic feature in Kiwi gardens and landscapes, admired for its bold, sword-like leaves and year-round architectural presence. Whether you’re planting a native garden, seeking a hardy focal point, or searching for low-maintenance greenery for coastal settings, the new zealand flax bush is a versatile and striking choice. With their adaptability, tolerance to wind and salt, and stunning form, these native plants fit perfectly into both modern garden designs and traditional planting schemes around Aotearoa.

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 flax is perfect for adding colour contrast and texture to modern and traditional gardens. Its tidy, clump forming habit makes it suitable for smaller spaces, borders, and pots. Hardy, low maintenance, and versatile, Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' is a reliable plant that thrives in a wide range of NZ garden conditions.

From $18.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.

Phormium 'Black Rage'

5 from 2 customers

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This dramatic and architectural plant adds instant impact to gardens, providing colour contrast and strong vertical form. Hardy and versatile, it thrives in a range of NZ conditions, from coastal to urban settings. Phormium 'Black Rage' is the perfect choice for gardeners wanting a low maintenance yet eye catching feature.

From $21.39

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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$15.11
phormium-stripy-mist-
Phormium 'Stripy Mist'

Phormium 'Stripy Mist' is an attractive New Zealand flax valued for its beautifully variegated foliage featuring soft green leaves striped with...

From$21.39
A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.
Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to...

From$21.39
phormium-veneer-
Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

From$18.63
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$15.87
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$340.69
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$18.63
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$21.39
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$18.63
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$17.25
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$18.63
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$20.63
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$19.25
A mass planting of Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' plants with lush, green foliage.
Dianella 'Little Jess'

Dianella 'Little Jess' is a variety of NZ Flax Lily that bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring above lush, mid-green leaves. Small...

From$20.63
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Dianella Kentlyn

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

From$16.49
Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' plants in a garden.
Dianella 'Little Rev'

Dianella 'Little Rev' (Blue Flax Lily) is a compact and hardy ornamental grass like plant valued for its attractive blue green foliage and tidy...

From$15.87
Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

From$20.63
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$19.25
teucrium-fruticans-
Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander)

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silvery foliage and soft blue flowers that appear through...

From$24.77
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Coprosma repens (Taupata)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.63
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$23.39
Entelea arborescens (Whau) shrub with lush green foliage and white flowers.
Entelea arborescens (Whau)

Entelea arborescens, commonly known as Whau, is a NZ native shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. It produces fragrant white flowers...

From$21.39
viburnum-opulus-sterile-
Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

From$27.53
Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.
Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush)

Clerodendrum ugandense, commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is an open, sprawling evergreen shrub favoured for its lovely masses of blue...

From$37.19
Buddleia fallowiana 'Lochinch' purple flower cluster amidst lush grey foliage.
Buddleia 'Lochinch'

Buddleia ‘Lochinch’ (Butterfly Bush) is a fast growing deciduous shrub admired for its long sprays of soft lavender blue flowers and silvery green...

From$26.15
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$15.87
A fabulous Convolvulus cneorum plant with grey foliage and masses of white flowers.
Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum Silver Bush is a striking compact shrub valued for its silvery foliage and masses of bright white funnel shaped flowers. This sun...

From$20.63
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$13.73
Anemanthele lessoniana grass with colourful, orange and green foliage growing in a pot.
Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass)

Anemanthele lessoniana, also known as Pheasant's Tail Grass or New Zealand Wind Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass native to New...

From$30.29
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$28.91
Phormium 'Surfer Bronze'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Anemanthele, Arthropodium, Buddleia, Clerodendrum, Convolvulus, Coprosma, Dianella, Dodonaea, Dysoxylum, Entelea, Muehlenbeckia, Phormium Teucrium and Viburnum, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

Search new zealand flax bush

What is the New Zealand Flax Bush?

The term “new zealand flax bush” commonly refers to native species of Phormium, especially Phormium tenax. This plant has been woven into New Zealand history for centuries, traditionally used by Maori for weaving koru, baskets, and mats. Today, gardeners love Phormium for its adaptability, spectacular foliage, and architectural flair. To explore more about this classic species, take a look at Phormium tenax, which is celebrated for its robust form and vibrant flower spikes that attract native birds.

Versatile Plant Options

Beyond the classic flax, there are several cultivars and related species that bring unique colours and textures to your garden. For a more silvery, soft look, Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax) offers fine foliage and a graceful habit, perfect as a contrasting feature or in mass plantings. If you’re searching for a flax with a striking colour palette, consider Phormium 'Stripy Mist', which features cool silver stripes and upright form, or the rich tones of Phormium 'Surfer Bronze', prized for its compact shape and bronzy hues. For those wanting something contemporary, Phormium 'Velvet Underground' promises dramatic, velvety foliage and a bold statement in any planting.

Landscaping with New Zealand Flax Bush

One of the defining features of the new zealand flax bush is its resilience. Flax bushes tolerate coastal winds, drought, and tough soils, making them ideal for seaside gardens, exposed banks, and difficult corners where other plants may struggle. They are excellent for helping stabilise soil, creating shelter belts, or as bold fillers amid natives, perennials, or grasses. Flaxes blend beautifully with gravel gardens, rain gardens, and water features, adding texture and a sense of place.

When choosing the right flax for your needs, consider height, spread, and leaf colour as well as your garden conditions. Bronze tones, stripes, or silvers can all add visual interest and contrast—see Phormium 'Stripy Mist' or Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' for inspiration.

Caring for Your Flax Bush

Caring for the new zealand flax bush is simple. Plant in full sun or light shade and ensure reasonable drainage. Once established, these natives need little maintenance, but benefit from a tidy-up in late spring—simply remove old or damaged leaves by cutting them at the base. An annual feed of compost or a general purpose fertiliser will keep your flax healthy and vibrant.

Discover Your Perfect Flax

Whether you are cultivating a low-maintenance native garden, designing a windswept coastal haven, or adding bold colour contrast to your borders, the new zealand flax bush (and its relatives such as Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax)) are essential additions. Explore our wide range, including standout varieties like Phormium 'Stripy Mist', Phormium 'Surfer Bronze', Phormium 'Velvet Underground', and Phormium tenax, and start transforming your garden with the timeless beauty of New Zealand flax.

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.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) and Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Michelia figo, Cotinus 'Golden Spirit', and Rose Diamonds Forever deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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