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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: 5.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, Native
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...

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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...

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Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
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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...

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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...

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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...

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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

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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. Available...

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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...

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Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax)

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

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Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
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Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.
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Camellia 'Black Lace'

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Phormium tenax green plant.
Phormium tenax 'Green' (Harakeke)

Phormium tenax 'Green' is a classic New Zealand flax valued for its strong upright green foliage and outstanding versatility in the landscape. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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Phormium tenax 'Bronze'

Phormium tenax 'Bronze' is a bold evergreen flax with upright and arching bronze coloured leaves. The strong sword shaped foliage provides...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium 'Black Magic' plants in a large pot and featuring elegant, dark-coloured foliage.
Phormium 'Black Magic'

Phormium 'Black Magic' is a striking NZ flax prized for its deep purple black foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen variety adds year...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium Platts Black with black leaves in a garden.
Phormium 'Platts Black'

Phormium 'Platts Black' is a striking New Zealand native flax variety admired for its rich, dark purple to almost black foliage. This hardy evergreen...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.
Phormium 'Black Rage'

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...

OUT OF STOCK
Phormium tenax

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

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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 Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), then branch out with Wisteria 'Black Dragon', Hebe stricta (Koromiko), and Cercis 'Ruby Falls'.
–The Plant Company

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