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red flax nz

Red flax NZ is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers who crave vibrant colour and striking texture in their gardens. This distinctive New Zealand native plant, known for its rich red foliage, brings year-round interest to beds, borders, and containers. Red flax not only makes a bold statement but also thrives in a variety of environments, making it perfect for both home gardens and public landscapes throughout New Zealand.

A large Phormium 'Evening Glow' plant in a garden.

Phormium 'Evening Glow'

5 from 2 customers

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 bronze margin. This variety grows to 1.3 m tall and the same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a versatile plant that makes a fantastic addition to mixed plantings and borders, and is well-suited for coastal gardens. It can also be used to accentuate water features, such as ponds and streams, or grown around pool and barbecue areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.30 m
Spread: 1.30 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, 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. 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.

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
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Phormium 'Evening Glow'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Armeria, Azalea, Buddleia, Callistemon, Camellia, Carex, Coprosma, Cordyline, Escallonia, Hebe, Hibiscus, Hoya, Hydrangea, Hypoestes, Lagerstroemia, Loropetalum, Mandevilla, Phormium, Pseudowintera, Rhododendron, Rose Salvia and Sorbus, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Carpet Roses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs Vireya Rhododendon and Deciduous Trees.

Search red flax nz

What is Red Flax NZ?

Red flax refers to cultivars of Phormium, the classic New Zealand flax, that offer stunning red, wine, or bronze-coloured leaves. These perennial evergreen plants are renowned for their sword-like foliage and resilience to harsh weather conditions found across much of New Zealand. The hues of red flax add immediate visual warmth and a contemporary edge to planting schemes, whether as a centrepiece or mass-planted for effect. If you’re searching for a particularly dazzling variety, Phormium 'Evening Glow' is a standout option, offering eye-catching scarlet and olive tones all year round.

Benefits of Red Flax in NZ Gardens

Red flax NZ is not just admired for its colour — it’s also a practical and hardy addition to the landscape. Phormiums are drought-tolerant once established, cope well with coastal exposure, and thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Their architectural form brings structure and dimension, while the dramatic foliage creates contrast alongside green shrubs and finer-leaved grasses. Native to Aotearoa, red flax also supports local biodiversity and is low maintenance, making it ideal for both experienced gardeners and newcomers.

Red Flax Planting and Companion Ideas

For the best visual impact, combine red flax NZ with complementary textures and colours. Contrast the boldness of red flax with the softer forms of ornamental grasses like Carex flagellifera Red, which echoes the red tones but with a finer texture. For a vibrant border or feature bed, pair it with the silvery-blue leaves of Hebe Red Edge (Hebe albicans Red Edge) or the stunning crimson bottlebrush flowers of Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush).

Want an even larger flax for dramatic effect? Classic Phormium tenax brings height and robust form, perfect for windbreaks, screening, or as a centrepiece in expansive borders.

Growing and Care Tips

To get the most from your red flax NZ, plant in well-drained soil and water regularly until established. While red flax is tolerant of poor soils, improved drainage and a sunny spot encourage the best colour and growth. Remove older leaves as needed to keep the clump tidy and divide every few years if the plant outgrows its space. Watch for slugs on young shoots and remove any dead foliage to keep your plant looking fresh.

A blend of beauty and resilience, red flax NZ is a versatile must-have for contemporary and native gardens. Explore related favourites such as Phormium 'Evening Glow' and Phormium tenax to bring New Zealand’s most vibrant reds into your garden.


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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.

We all know Gardenia Veitchii and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood), but the real surprises come from plants like Cornus kousa 'Satomi', Metrosideros 'Tahiti', and Ilex Largo.
–The Plant Company

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