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phormium tenax red

Phormium tenax red is a striking variety of the iconic New Zealand flax, prized for its dramatic burgundy-red foliage and year-round garden impact. Ideal for adding bold colour and texture to modern landscaping, coastal gardens, and even pots, this hardy plant thrives in a range of Kiwi conditions. Whether you’re seeking a garden centrepiece or a low-maintenance, architectural accent, phormium tenax red brings both resilience and vibrant beauty to any outdoor space.

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 ornamental plant brings strong colour and structure to gardens year round. Hardy and versatile, it thrives in a wide range of NZ conditions, from coastal to urban settings.

From $249.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.

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.

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
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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Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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Why Choose Phormium Tenax Red

Few plants offer the versatility and visual punch of phormium tenax red. This distinct cultivar stands out for its tall, sword-like leaves in deep shades of red that intensify in full sun. Like other members of the Phormium tenax family, it boasts extraordinary wind and salt tolerance, making it perfect for coastal or exposed gardens. Its evergreen habit and upright form provide structure throughout the seasons, even when other plants have faded.

Landscaping Uses for Phormium Tenax Red

Thanks to its bold colour and architectural form, phormium tenax red is a designer favourite for borders, mass plantings, and feature plantings in residential and commercial gardens. Use it to create a dramatic backdrop for lighter-toned plants, or combine with other coloured flaxes for textural interest. Grow as a specimen plant, or in combination with grasses, succulents, and flowering shrubs for an easy-care, contemporary look. If you love the red tones of phormium tenax red, you might also enjoy Photinia Super Red (Red Robin) for hedging or screening.

Growing and Care Tips

Phormium tenax red is just as robust as classic Phormium tenax. Plant in full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil—though these flaxes will tolerate heavier soils and even some wet feet. Water regularly until established. Once settled, they need very little attention: they’re drought-tolerant, frost hardy, and unfussy about soil type. Remove spent flower stalks and old leaves as needed to maintain their tidy appearance.

Alternatives and Companions

If you’re seeking variety in texture and colour, explore other Phormium cultivars like Phormium 'Evening Glow', with its vibrant apricot and pink tones, or the more compact Phormium 'Surfer'. For a more subtle palette, consider Phormium 'Veneer', which features silvery green leaves with bronze-lime stripes. These small flaxes work beautifully as groundcovers or edging in mixed beds.

Shop Phormium Tenax and More

Ready to enhance your garden with the bold hues of phormium tenax red? As New Zealand’s trusted plant nursery, we offer a curated selection of flax cultivars adaptable to every landscape. Browse our range and discover the perfect companion plants, including the classic Phormium tenax, eye-catching Phormium 'Evening Glow', compact Phormium 'Surfer', and elegant Phormium 'Veneer'. With expert advice and quality plants, transforming your outdoor space is just a planting away.

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.
Let Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) draw you in — then let Kunzea robusta, Michelia 'Princess Isabella', and Callistemon 'Red Alert' keep you inspired.
–The Plant Company

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