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phormium tenax black

Phormium tenax black is a striking and architectural New Zealand flax that brings bold colour and texture to any garden. Sought after for its dark, almost black foliage, this dramatic plant makes a stunning statement in modern landscape designs and native plantings alike. If you’re searching for a hardy, evergreen option that thrives in New Zealand’s variable conditions, phormium tenax black delivers both style and resilience.

Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

Phormium tenax

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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 foliage in summer to bear twisted-looking flowers that result in black seed pods in autumn, and the nectar produced by the flowers attracts both birds and butterflies.

From $7.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The juvenile form has orange branches held with a tangled appearance and silver-coloured foliage. The tree eventually develops dense, yellow-green foliage and distinctive hammer mark patterns on the trunk.

From $309.51

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, 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$19.95
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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 '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$14.95
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...

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Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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$14.95
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$14.95
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$8.50
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

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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$8.50
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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$14.95
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$249.95
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Echeveria Dark Prince

Echeveria Dark Prince is a succulent grown for its impressive colourings. It grows as a short and stout rosette of thick, dark brown-black leaves...

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Phormium 'Emerald Green' plants in a mixed planting.
Phormium 'Emerald Green'

Phormium 'Emerald Green' is a compact New Zealand flax valued for its rich emerald green foliage and tidy growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides...

From$14.95
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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

Phormium 'Pepe' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its fine green foliage and neat mounding growth habit. This hardy evergreen provides year...

From$19.95
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Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

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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...

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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...

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Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' lush foliage.
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' is a dramatic perennial renowned for its intensely dark foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

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Dianthus 'King of the Blacks'

Dianthus 'King of the Blacks' is a striking perennial known for its deep velvety red to near black flowers that create dramatic contrast in New...

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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...

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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...

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Photinia Black Jack dark red foliage.
Photinia 'Black Jack'

Photinia 'Black Jack' is a distinctive evergreen shrub valued for its deep red to burgundy new growth, glossy green mature foliage, and dense...

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Camellia 'Black Magic' red flower.
Camellia Black Magic

Camellia 'Black Magic' is a dramatic evergreen shrub known for its deep red, almost black blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers striking...

From$32.95
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...

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Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
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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$27.95
Stunning Wisteria 'Black Dragon' purple and pink flowers.
Wisteria 'Black Dragon'

Wisteria ‘Black Dragon’ is a spectacular flowering climber renowned for its double deep violet purple flowers that hang in dramatic cascading...

From$26.95
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Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

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Phormium tenax

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Phormium, Prumnopitys, and Zamioculcas, or related Categories - Black polythene, Flaxes, and Indoor Plants.

Search phormium tenax black

Why Choose Phormium tenax black?

Phormium tenax black is known for its sword-like leaves that range from deep bronze to dark purple, appearing almost black in certain light. Not only does it provide visual interest year-round, but it also serves a practical purpose in coastal and exposed sites. This variety remains evergreen, boasting excellent tolerance to wind, salt, drought, and even some frost. It’s an ideal feature plant for mixed borders, low-maintenance gardens, and large pots, blending well with both natives and contemporary landscaping schemes.

Ideal Uses for Phormium tenax black

Gardeners love phormium tenax black for its versatility. Use it as a focal point in your garden, mass-plant it for dramatic effect, or pair it with contrasting foliage for an eye-catching display. It’s especially popular along driveways, around water features, or to anchor entranceways. The sturdy leaves provide texture and structure year-round, while tall flower spikes, adored by native birds, add extra interest in summer.

Caring for Phormium tenax black

Plant your phormium tenax black in fertile, well-drained soil and give it a sunny to part-shaded position. While established plants need minimal water, it’s best to provide regular watering and slow-release fertiliser when newly planted to help them establish quickly. Remove spent flower spikes and old leaves as needed to keep your flax looking its best.

Similar and Complementary Phormium Varieties

If you’re interested in exploring more of New Zealand’s beautiful flax options, we stock an excellent range. Consider Phormium tenax for the classic green harakeke form, well-loved for its robust growth and cultural significance. For a greener option, try Phormium tenax 'Green' (Harakeke) as a foundation plant or living mulch.

For gardeners wanting even more dramatic foliage, varieties such as Phormium 'Black Magic', Phormium 'Platts Black', and Phormium 'Black Rage' all offer rich, dark tones with unique forms. Mixing these cultivars creates an engaging landscape with layers of colour and texture.

Bringing Phormium tenax black into Your Garden

Whether you’re rejuvenating an existing bed or designing a new outdoor space, phormium tenax black is an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens. Its low-maintenance nature, striking foliage, and natural resilience make it an enduring favourite. Browse our selection of phormiums to find the perfect companion plants, or contact our knowledgeable team for expert advice on flax selection and care. Bring home the beauty of phormium tenax black and enjoy year-round impact in your landscape.

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.
Celebrate your favourites like Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina, then branch out with Pseudopanax laetus (Five Finger), Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap), and Olea europaea.
–The Plant Company

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