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

phormium platts black flax

Phormium 'Platts Black' flax is an outstanding New Zealand native that adds dramatic colour and texture to gardens of all styles. This unique flax, well-known for its striking, deep-black foliage, brings a touch of contemporary elegance to both landscapes and containers. Highly valued for its sculptural form and hardy nature, Phormium 'Platts Black' is a favourite among landscapers and home gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet eye-catching feature. Its upright, sword-like leaves make it particularly effective in contrast plantings or when used as a bold specimen in coastal, urban, or native-inspired gardens.

Phormium 'Platts Black'

5 from 1 customers

Phormium 'Platts Black' is a striking New Zealand native flax variety admired for its rich, dark purple to almost black foliage. This hardy evergreen forms tidy, upright clumps that provide bold colour and structure in the garden year round. Low maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, 'Platts Black' is a versatile choice for modern landscapes, coastal gardens, and urban plantings.

Phormium Platts Black with black leaves in a garden.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Flaxes
  • Height:
    1.30 m
  • Spread:
    1.30 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Most Popular 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 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
Most Popular 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
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
Most Popular 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 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Most Popular 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 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Most Popular 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
Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
Most Popular Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

From$266.14
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Most Popular 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
phormium-veneer-
Most Popular 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 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Most Popular 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
cordyline-lime-fountain-3
Most Popular Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$30.29
Phormium 'Platts Black'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Phormium or Flaxes.

Search Phormium 'Platts Black'

Distinguished Appearance and Year-Round Interest

Phormium 'Platts Black' flax stands out in any garden with its arching, almost black leaves that deepen in colour as the plant matures. Its foliage holds its colour exceptionally well throughout the seasons, ensuring year-round interest and structure. Reaching between 60 to 90 cm in height, this flax is ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as part of an architectural grouping with other foliage stars such as Phormium 'Jester' or Astelia nervosa (Mountain Astelia).

Ideal Growing Conditions for Phormium 'Platts Black'

Known for its adaptability, Phormium 'Platts Black' thrives in full sun or part shade and tolerates a range of soil types, including coastal and windy sites. It flourishes in well-draining soils and is drought-tolerant once established, perfect for modern, water-wise gardens. Phormium 'Platts Black' is highly resilient to pests and diseases, making it low-maintenance and easy to grow for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Landscape Uses and Companion Planting

The dramatic foliage of Phormium 'Platts Black' flax makes it the perfect choice for inclusion in mixed borders, urban courtyards, or as a striking backdrop in native plant schemes. Combine it with other colourful flaxes like Phormium 'Evening Glow' or Phormium 'Velvet Underground' for an eye-catching foliage display. For textural contrast, consider pairing with the upright form of Cordyline Zumba or the neat, compact habit of Phormium 'Green Dwarf'.

Easy Care for Stylish Gardens

Maintenance is simple – just remove spent leaves at the base to keep your Phormium 'Platts Black' looking fresh. It rarely needs watering in established landscapes, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or holiday homes. Mulch lightly to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but avoid heavy organic matter around the base.

Popular Alternatives to Phormium 'Platts Black'

While Phormium 'Platts Black' flax is well-loved for its dark foliage, you may also enjoy exploring our selection of other small and colourful flaxes, such as Phormium 'Blondie', Phormium 'Royal Flush', or the vibrant Phormium 'Emerald Gem'. If you're after a compact variety for smaller gardens or mass plantings, Phormium 'Surfer' is also a fantastic option.

Bring Structure and Sophistication to Your Garden

With its bold, architectural form and incredibly low maintenance requirements, Phormium 'Platts Black' flax is a must-have for gardens across New Zealand. Whether you're seeking an accent plant, a reliable landscaper’s favourite, or a splash of dark colour for striking year-round foliage, Phormium 'Platts Black' brings style and resilience to every 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.

Sure, Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are crowd-pleasers, but Viburnum davidii (female), Ginkgo Autumn Gold, and Platanus acerifolia 'Pyramidalis' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–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.

4.8

445 Google reviews