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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.

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. With its dramatic foliage and easy care nature, Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a standout feature for both modern and traditional landscapes.

From $117.09

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
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety flowers from late spring through summer, attracting bees and birds while offering bold colour in New Zealand gardens. Hardy, sun loving and tolerant of coastal exposure, it delivers excellent performance with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and low care planting schemes.

From $26.93

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
leptospermum-red-falls--3
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

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Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

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Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Red Mountain’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its striking red...

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A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.28
Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

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A cluster of Hoya 'Red Buttons' purple and red flowers.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Red Button'

Hoya 'Red Button' is a popular variety of Hoya that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing...

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Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

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Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

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Hebe 'Red Edge'

Hebe 'Red Edge' is a compact evergreen shrub known for its distinctive foliage with red tinged edges that intensify in cooler weather, adding year...

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Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

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Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a hardy, evergreen shrub prized in New Zealand gardens for its rich green foliage and striking clusters of deep red...

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Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

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Escallonia 'Red Elf' red flowers and glossy, green foliage.
Escallonia 'Red Elf'

Escallonia 'Red Elf' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and vibrant, red, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late...

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A stunning Albizia julibrissin 'Red Silk' tree with masses of red flowers.
Albizia 'Red Silk'

Albizia 'Red Silk' is a variety of the commonly known Silk Tree, and is grown for its delicate foliage and showy flowers. The fern-like foliage is...

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Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

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Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$29.63
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Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

From$26.93
Hibiscus 'Red Knight' large and showy, red flower.
Hibiscus 'Red Knight'

Hibiscus 'Red Knight' is a striking flowering shrub prized for its large deep red blooms and lush glossy foliage. This tropical style hibiscus...

From$26.93
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Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red'

Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red' is a vibrant evergreen azalea admired for its rich red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The bold blooms sit...

From$26.93
Hypoestes 'Splash Red' plant with colourful red folaige.
Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Hypoestes 'Splash Red' is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its bright green leaves boldly splashed with deep red markings. This compact and...

From$25.58
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' plant in a pot with stunning red flowers and lush, purple-green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red'

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' is a bold and dramatic deciduous shrub admired for its deep red mophead flowers set against dark stems and rich green foliage...

From$26.93
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$20.18
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Camellia Roma Red

Camellia 'Roma Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers bold winter to spring colour in...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

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Pelargonium Two in One Dark Red (Red Pelargonium)

Pelargonium Two In One Dark Red is a variety of Geranium grown for its clusters of dark red flowers. The showy flowers are borne through spring and...

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Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

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Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

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Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Azalea, Buddleia, Callistemon, Camellia, Carex, Clivia, Coprosma, Escallonia, Grevillea, Hebe, Hibiscus, Hoya, Hydrangea, Hypoestes, Imperata, Lagerstroemia, Leptospermum, Loropetalum, Pelargonium, Phormium, Photinia, Pseudowintera, Rhododendron, Rose Salvia and Sorbus, or related Categories - 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.

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.
We all know Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii, but the real surprises come from plants like Epipremnum Glacier, Tangelo 'Seminole' (Seminole Tangelo), and Leptospermum Red Damask.
–The Plant Company

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