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new zealand phormium

New Zealand Phormium, also known as New Zealand flax, is one of the most iconic and versatile plants you can add to your garden. Renowned for its striking foliage and architectural form, phormium creates year-round interest in both modern and traditional landscapes. Whether you’re looking to frame a pathway, fill a border, or add statement colour to pots and containers, the resilience and range of New Zealand phormium varieties make them a favourite among gardeners throughout the country.

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.

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-stripy-mist-

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 clump to about 40 cm tall and the same wide. Phormium Stripy Mist is commonly added to mixed and border plantings, included in coastal gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
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$20.93
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$20.18
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$117.09
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 '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
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 '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$18.23

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$17.48
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$20.93
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$14.78
Dianella nigra plant with masses of blue berries.

Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry)

Dianella nigra, commonly known as the New Zealand Blueberry or Tūrutu, is a NZ native that features lush foliage and glossy berries that vary in...

From$20.18
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$15.53
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$13.43
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$16.88
The best new lawn fertiliser in NZ.

New Lawn Fertiliser

Establishing a new lawn requires the proper nutrients to ensure robust root development and healthy growth. Our New Lawn Fertiliser, featuring...

From$5.00
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.

Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$358.98
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$28.28
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.

Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$411.93
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$20.93
Phormium 'Black Rage'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis, Anemanthele, Arthropodium, Dianella, Dysoxylum, Entelea Libocedrus and Phormium, or related Categories - Fertiliser, Flaxes, Grasses, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Evergreen Trees.

Search new zealand phormium

Why Choose New Zealand Phormium for Your Garden?

New Zealand phormium is famous for its toughness and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. These evergreen perennials flourish in coastal and windy sites, tolerate drought once established, and bring bold colour with minimal fuss. The strappy leaves can be upright or arch gracefully, depending on the variety, with foliage colours ranging from deep burgundies to sunset tones, pinks, and classic green. Pest resistance and low maintenance make phormium a top performer for busy gardeners or those seeking sustainable, native plantings.

Popular Varieties of New Zealand Phormium

Gardeners and landscape designers love New Zealand phormium for its diversity. Some standout cultivars include Phormium 'Raspberry Ripple', with rich red and pink tones that make a lively statement in any space. Phormium 'Sundowner' offers broad stripes of sunset pink and bronze, perfect for borders or as a focal point in contemporary gardens. For softer hues, Phormium 'Sunset Dreams' blends apricot-pink with green to create a relaxed, inviting look.

For gardens looking for more dramatic impact, Phormium 'Black Magic' delivers intensely dark, sultry foliage that pairs beautifully with lighter plants or gravel mulches. Alternatively, Phormium 'Veneer' brings a modern twist to classic planting schemes with its bold variegation and architectural lines.

Landscaping with New Zealand Phormium

The adaptability of New Zealand phormium means you can use it in a huge variety of ways. Plant taller varieties as focal points or as natural screening near patios, decks, or driveways. Clumping forms work incredibly well in mass plantings for a bold, low-maintenance effect. Phormium blends beautifully with native New Zealand grasses, hebes, or flowering perennials. In large containers, compact cultivars provide long-lasting colour and movement in wind-exposed sites, urban courtyards, or poolside locations.

Care Tips for Healthy Phormium

One of the greatest benefits of New Zealand phormium is its low maintenance needs. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for the best colour and growth, although phormium tolerates partial shade and salt-laden winds. Water regularly when young; established plants are exceptionally drought-hardy. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to encourage new growth and keep plants looking their best.

Great New Zealand Flax for Every Garden

No matter your garden style, there’s a New Zealand phormium for you, from vibrant Phormium 'Sundowner' to the bold Phormium 'Black Magic'. With their resilience, beauty, and easy care, phormiums continue to be a staple in Kiwi landscapes. Explore our range to find the perfect New Zealand phormium to transform your outdoor space.


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.

–The Plant Company

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