Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

phormium black

Searching for phormium black? You’re in the right place. Phormium black varieties are some of the most striking and architectural foliage plants you can add to your New Zealand garden or landscape project. Known for their dramatic dark leaves and easy-care nature, these hardy New Zealand flax cultivars create strong contrast, structure, and year-round appeal in gardens both modern and native-inspired.

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 on a well-drained site. Phormium 'Black Pepe' is added to mixed plantings, border plantings, coastal gardens, or planted around pool and barbecue areas.

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Phormium 'Surfer'

5 from 2 customers

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching foliage adds year round structure, texture, and colour contrast to the garden. This hardy and versatile variety is ideal for small spaces, borders, and containers. With its stylish appearance and easy care nature, Phormium 'Surfer' is a popular choice for NZ gardeners wanting a reliable and decorative plant.

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 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
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 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
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$16.13
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
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
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
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
pittosporum-irish-luck-

Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

From$21.53
black-polythene-1-m-wide-

1m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$138.40
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
black-polythene-2-m-wide-

2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$254.60
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...

From$20.93
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-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
Large Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) plants growing in clumps beside a path.

Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the more elegant and interesting bamboo varieties. It features erect, black stems that...

From$759.69
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$8.78
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$17.48
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.

Ficus Black Knight

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$36.38
olive-verdale-

Olive Verdale

Olea Verdale is a variety of Olive tree grown for its high yields of medium sized fruit. They are dark purple-black when mature in autumn and...

From$33.68
grape-steubens--1

Grape Steubens

Grape Steubens is a popular variety of eating grape that produces fabulous fruit that ripen in autumn. It features clusters of medium sized...

From$29.63
Black Doris' plums.

Plum Black Doris

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$299.92
Hebe 'Black Satin' plant with dark foliage and pink flowers.

Hebe Black Satin

Hebe Black Satin is a popular variety of Hebe due to both its colourful foliage and flowers. It grows as a rounded shrub carrying glossy, dark purple...

From$25.58
Canna 'Tropicanna Black' in a garden with red flowers and dark foliage.

Canna 'Tropicanna Black'

Canna 'Tropicanna Black' is a dramatic tropical perennial known for its deep burgundy foliage and vivid red flowers. This bold plant adds strong...

From$22.88
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
Camellia 'Black Magic' red flower.

Camellia Black Magic

Camellia Black Magic produces dark, velvet red, semi-double flowers from spring through early summer. This evergreen produces semi-glossy, green...

From$37.73
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.

Sansevieria Black Coral

Sansevieria Black Coral is a variety of the commonly known, Variegated Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue, and is a very popular indoor plant. It...

From$37.73
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.

Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$29.63
camellia-japonica-black-tie-

Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$33.68
weedmat-50-m-roll-

Weedmat (Weedmat 1.83 m wide x 50 m roll )

Our black polypropylene Weedmat provides long-term and superior weed suppression. It has been UV stabilised for NZ conditions and allows water to...

From$242.00
Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Coprosma, Ficus, Grape, Hebe, Olive, Ophiopogon, Phormium, Phyllostachys, Pittosporum, Plum Ribes and Sansevieria, or related Categories - Black polythene, Weedmat, Currants, Flaxes, Olive Trees, Plum Trees, Grapevines, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search phormium black

What Makes Phormium Black So Special?

Phormium black varieties are loved for their rich, deep burgundy to near-black leaves. These cultivars not only bring colour and texture but also withstand tough coastal conditions, drought, wind, and frost. Their low-maintenance requirements make phormium black an excellent choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners. When you plant a phormium black, you’re adding drama to your borders, modern courtyard, poolside, or containers.

Popular Phormium Black Varieties to Consider

Within the world of phormium black, several outstanding cultivars stand out for garden use. Explore favourites such as Phormium 'Platts Black', a popular compact form with slender, deep purple-black leaves perfect for dense mass planting. Another sought-after choice is Phormium 'Black Magic', which features upright, broad, purple-black foliage that really makes a statement in landscaping schemes.

Looking for an especially bold impact? Phormium 'Black Rage' is valued for its upright form and intense, saturated black leaves, perfect for feature planting. For smaller spaces or container gardens, Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax) offers all the inky drama in a tidy, compact size.

How to Grow and Use Phormium Black in Your Landscape

Phormium black varieties thrive in full sun to partial shade and are adaptable to most soils, especially those that drain well. Plant them as eye-catching specimen plants, group in borders for contrast, or use as tough fillers for tough sites—including coastal and exposed gardens.

Mulch in spring, water deeply when newly planted, and remove old or damaged leaves to keep them looking their best. Phormium black pairs beautifully with gravel gardens, sub-tropical designs, or even contrasted with golden-leaved varieties like Phormium 'Apricot Queen'.

Why Choose Phormium Black for Your NZ Garden?

Phormium black adds bold structure and all-seasons interest, offering an easy-care solution to complex design problems. Their resilience means less time worrying and more time enjoying a garden that stands out from the rest. Whether you’re seeking a standout specimen, a textural ground cover, or a contemporary container plant, there’s a phormium black variety to suit every need.

Explore our range of phormium black cultivars to transform your garden with dark, elegant foliage and unmistakable New Zealand character.

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.
Our garden favourites Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' and Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood) get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Ajuga 'Catlins Giant', Gleditsia triacanthos Ruby Lace (Honey Locust), and Platanus 'Autumn Glory'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews