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phormium tenax for sale

Looking for Phormium tenax for sale? You’re in the perfect spot. At our New Zealand nursery, we’re passionate about offering this iconic native plant, also known as NZ Flax or Harakeke. With its robust, upright form and lush sword-like leaves, Phormium tenax is a staple in Kiwi gardens, celebrated for its versatility, resilience, and architectural beauty. Whether you’re aiming to create a striking focal point, natural shelter, or a wildlife-friendly landscape, NZ Flax delivers stunning year-round performance.

Phormium tenax

5 from 2 customers

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. Harakeke grows as a clump to about 2 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It is a popular landscape option that is also often used to contrast with other plant colours. Mass planting on a bank not only provides an outstanding display but is also excellent for helping to stabilise the soil.

Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
  • 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
A large Phormium 'Evening Glow' plant in a garden.
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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
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
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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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Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
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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...

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A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
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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...

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Phormium 'Surfer' plants in pots for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
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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$18.23
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Dianella Goddess

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A mass planting of Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' plants with lush, green foliage.
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Phormium tenax

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Why choose Phormium tenax?

Phormium tenax is renowned for its adaptability and low-maintenance nature. Growing naturally across Aotearoa, Harakeke thrives in a wide range of conditions, from coastal gardens to urban landscapes and rural plantings. It’s tolerant of wind, salt, frost, and drought, making it a practical solution for tough sites and larger-scale projects. The elegant foliage and dramatic flower spikes also attract native birds and insects, supporting biodiversity in your backyard.

Uses for Phormium tenax

NZ Flax is much more than a hardy landscaping plant. Its fibrous leaves have traditional significance in weaving and crafts, while its striking appearance delivers visual impact in both formal and natural garden designs. Use Phormium tenax as a bold specimen, mass-planted in borders, or as a living screen to define areas and protect from wind. Its vibrant green foliage pairs perfectly with companion species—explore options like Phormium 'Evening Glow', Phormium 'Green Dwarf', or Phormium 'Emerald Gem' for colour and texture diversity.

Growing Phormium tenax in your garden

Plant Phormium tenax in well-drained soil, from full sun to partial shade. Once established, it requires little watering, is unfussy about soil type, and can thrive even where the climate is challenging. For a mix of tones and leaf shapes, consider planting alongside selections like Phormium 'Black Pepe' (Dwarf Black Flax), Phormium 'Jester', or the compact Phormium 'Surfer'. Phormium tenax is also ideal for combining with native grasses and flax relatives—explore our range including Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax), Dianella Weeping Kate, Dianella 'Margaret Pringle', and Dianella brevipedunculata.

Order Phormium tenax for sale today

Transform your landscape with the strength and beauty of NZ Flax. Browse our range of Phormium tenax for sale and find healthy, well-rooted plants ready to thrive in your garden. Our team is always happy to offer expert advice on flax planting, care, and design combinations. Discover the enduring appeal of Harakeke and create a garden that celebrates New Zealand’s natural heritage. For extra impact, check out our curated collection of Phormium cultivars and companion natives—all available to order online now.


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.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii and Ficus benjamina variegata, but you might just fall in love with Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood), Mandarin 'Miho', and Wisteria Lavender Lace.
–The Plant Company

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