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phormium tenax maori sunset

Phormium tenax Maori Sunset is a striking New Zealand native flax renowned for its vivid, variegated foliage. If you’re searching for a bold architectural plant that thrives in our climate, Maori Sunset is a stunning choice. Each arching leaf emerges in vibrant shades of peach, pink, gold, orange, and lime, intensifying as the seasons change. Its colourful display stands out beautifully against dark green or purple companion plants, and brings year-round interest to gardens across New Zealand. As a hardy, adaptable cultivar, it excels both as a specimen plant and in mass planting for dramatic effect.

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.

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
phormium-pepe-

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 round texture, movement, and structure, making it a versatile choice for gardens of all sizes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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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...

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Acer 'Esk Sunset'

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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...

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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 '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...

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Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' shrub with fine, yellow foliage.
Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' (Breath Of Heaven)

Coleonema ‘Sunset Gold’ is a stunning compact shrub known for its brilliant golden foliage that brings year round colour to NZ gardens. The fine...

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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

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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...

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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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A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

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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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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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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...

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 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...

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Phormium tenax purpureum (Purple Flax)

Phormium tenax 'Purpureum' is a bold New Zealand flax valued for its rich purple bronze foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen native...

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Phormium 'Taya'

Phormium 'Taya' is a beautiful New Zealand flax valued for its elegant foliage and strong architectural form. This hardy evergreen provides year...

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Phormium tenax 'Bronze'

Phormium 'Bronze Baby' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its rich bronze foliage and neat architectural form. This hardy evergreen provides...

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Phormium 'Maori Chief'

Phormium 'Maori Chief' is a bold New Zealand flax valued for its impressive size, rich bronze green foliage, and strong architectural presence. This...

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Phormium 'Sunset Dreams' colourful foliage.
Phormium 'Sunset Dreams'

Phormium 'Sunset Dreams' is a stunning New Zealand native flax variety celebrated for its vibrant foliage of pink, apricot, and bronze tones. This...

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Osteospermum Sunset

“Sunset” is a variety of Osteospermum grown for its lovely flowers. This herbaceous perennial produces masses of large and showy, orange and yellow...

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Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunset with orange and cream coloured flowers.
Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunset (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria 'Inticancha Sunset' is a compact, free flowering Peruvian lily renowned for its vibrant sunset orange and golden blooms that appear...

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Zelkova 'Kiwi Sunset' (Japanese Elm)

Zelkova 'Kiwi Sunset' is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its elegant branching, fresh green foliage, and colourful autumn display. The leafy...

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Baumea tenax plants growing in water.
Baumea tenax

Baumea tenax, commonly known as the Bumblebee Nut Sedge, is an attractive and fast-growing plant with rigid, dark green foliage. It can be identified...

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Rhododendron 'Simbu Sunset' orange flowers.
Rhododendron Vireya 'Simbu Sunset'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Simbu Sunset' is a stunning tropical rhododendron admired for its vibrant sunset toned flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. The...

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Phormium 'Shiraz'

Phormium 'Shiraz' is a striking New Zealand flax renowned for its rich burgundy red foliage and bold architectural form. This evergreen plant...

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Phormium 'Duet'

Phormium 'Duet' is a striking New Zealand flax valued for its attractive green leaves edged with creamy yellow margins. This evergreen plant provides...

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Hebe 'Sunset Boulevard'

Hebe 'Sunset Boulevard' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its colourful foliage, compact growth habit, and appealing seasonal flowers. Its...

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Boronia Sunset Serenade

Boronia 'Sunset Serenade' is a delightful evergreen shrub admired for its masses of fragrant pink flowers and fine aromatic foliage. This beautiful...

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Phormium colensoi plant.
Phormium colensoi

Phormium colensoi is a graceful New Zealand native flax valued for its softer, more arching foliage and natural elegance. This evergreen plant...

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Phormium tenax

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Coleonema, and Phormium, or related Categories - Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, and Maple Tree.

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Why Grow Phormium tenax Maori Sunset?

Phormium tenax Maori Sunset combines the robust growth of New Zealand flax with radiant, sunset-inspired colours. It typically matures to around 1-1.2 metres high and wide, forming dense clumps that provide structure to borders, coastal gardens, and urban landscapes. Drought tolerant and wind-resistant, Maori Sunset can handle exposed conditions where other plants struggle. Its evergreen leaves provide habitat for native birds and insects, supporting local biodiversity.

Because it’s easy care and relatively low maintenance, newcomers and seasoned gardeners alike will appreciate what Maori Sunset brings to the garden. This flax needs only occasional cutting back of older leaves to maintain its tidy shape.

Landscape Uses for Phormium tenax Maori Sunset

Phormium tenax Maori Sunset’s multicoloured foliage makes it perfect for use as a feature plant, contrast border, or vibrant accent in modern landscape designs. It can also be grown in large containers to brighten patios and decks year-round. In native garden compositions, Maori Sunset pairs beautifully with grasses, hebes, and the solid green leaves of Phormium tenax or the striking purple tones of Phormium tenax purpureum (Purple Flax).

Thanks to its tough nature, Maori Sunset is ideal for coastal gardens, roadside plantings, and commercial landscaping. Its rhizomatous roots bind soil, making this phormium valuable for erosion control on slopes and banks.

Care Tips for Phormium tenax Maori Sunset

Phormium tenax Maori Sunset thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a range of soils, provided they drain freely. Water well during establishment, then allow the plant to dry out between waterings for best colour development. Fertilise in spring with a slow-release, general-purpose mix for lush, healthy growth. Remove any faded or damaged foliage at the base throughout the year to keep your plant looking vibrant.

Like other flax varieties, such as Phormium tenax 'Green' (Harakeke) and Phormium tenax 'Bronze', Maori Sunset is largely pest free and rarely troubled by disease.

Complementary Flax Varieties

If the warm, sunset colours of Maori Sunset appeal, you may also enjoy the bold red foliage of Phormium 'Maori Chief' or explore the full selection of hardy natives with Phormium tenax.

Add Phormium tenax Maori Sunset to your garden for a touch of year-round New Zealand flair and discover just how adaptable, easy, and rewarding it can be.


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