phormium cookianum tricolor

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Phormium cookianum tricolor, commonly known as Phormium 'Tricolour', is a striking and versatile New Zealand native flax that brings year-round colour and texture to gardens of all styles. With its vibrant, arching leaves striped in deep green, creamy yellow, and bold red, this ornamental flax makes an eye-catching feature in borders, containers, and mass plantings. Resilient and easy to grow, Phormium cookianum tricolor is a top choice for coastal gardens, low-maintenance landscapes, and contemporary planting schemes thanks to its ability to withstand wind, salt, and periods of drought.

Phormium 'Tricolour'

Phormium 'Tricolour' is a striking New Zealand flax admired for its colourful foliage featuring green leaves edged with cream and highlighted by pink tones. This evergreen plant delivers year round colour, texture, and structure, making it a standout choice for modern and traditional landscapes. Its upright arching foliage creates strong architectural appeal while brightening garden spaces with vibrant variegation. Phormium 'Tricolour' is hardy, low maintenance, and ideal for borders, containers, coastal gardens, and feature plantings throughout New Zealand.

Phormium 'Tricolour'

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Flaxes
Height:
1.20 m
Spread:
1.20 m
Flowering time:
Summer
Tolerances:
Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:
Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles:
Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native

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Why Choose Phormium cookianum tricolor?

Phormium cookianum tricolor stands out for its dramatic, tricolour foliage that remains colourful in every season. Forming elegant clumps up to 1 metre high and wide, this cultivar brings both structure and movement to planting designs. Its leaves are softer and more arching than those of the larger New Zealand flax species, making it suitable for smaller urban gardens and mixed perennial borders.

Aside from its visual appeal, Phormium cookianum tricolor is prized for its adaptability. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade, tolerates coastal exposure, and is generally untroubled by pests or diseases. The plant also helps attract native birds, especially when mature specimens send up flowering stalks in summer.

Planting and Care Tips

For best results, plant Phormium cookianum tricolor in well-draining soil. While it copes with dry spells once established, it will grow fastest with regular watering during its first year. It is an excellent choice for exposed sites or as a feature in courtyards, where its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and remove any old leaves in autumn to keep the clump looking tidy.

Phormium cookianum tricolor also thrives in large pots. Simply choose a quality potting mix and give the plant a sunny spot to ensure the boldest colours.

Great Companions for Phormium cookianum tricolor

For a truly dynamic and complementary planting design, consider pairing Phormium cookianum tricolor with other stylish New Zealand flaxes such as Phormium 'Evening Glow' or the compact Phormium 'Green Dwarf'. For more colour variation, look to Phormium 'Jester' with its pink hues, or create textural contrast with Libertia formosa (Chilean Iris) or Libertia 'Volcano'.

Explore More Flax Varieties

Our range of New Zealand flax includes the architectural Phormium tenax, the striking Phormium 'Emerald Gem', and the unique Phormium 'Surfer'. For gardens seeking dramatic foliage options, Phormium 'Pink Panther' and Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant) are also popular choices.

Phormium cookianum tricolor is an unbeatable option for adding robust, colourful foliage to your New Zealand garden. With so many beautiful companion plants available, you can create a unique and vibrant landscape that celebrates the best of native and contemporary planting.

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.