Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

silver spear flax

Silver spear flax is a distinctive and striking architectural plant that brings bold texture and shimmering colour to New Zealand gardens. Renowned for its silvery-green, sword-like leaves arranged in sculptural clumps, this native flax is an eye-catching choice for modern landscaping, coastal gardens, or as a dramatic specimen feature in garden beds and borders. If you’re searching for a reliable, low-maintenance plant with year-round appeal, silver spear flax is a perfect match.

Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.

Phormium 'Black Rage'

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This dramatic and architectural plant adds instant impact to gardens, providing colour contrast and strong vertical form. Hardy and versatile, it thrives in a range of NZ conditions, from coastal to urban settings. Phormium 'Black Rage' is the perfect choice for gardeners wanting a low maintenance yet eye catching feature.

Buy Phormium 'Black Rage'

From $20.93

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 80 cm

Spread: 80 cm

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

Dianella 'Revelation'

Dianella 'Revelation' features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which result in blue berries. This NZ Flax Lily features narrow, grass-like foliage that is dark green and held densely, growing to 60 cm tall and the same width. Dianella 'Revelation' is commonly mass-planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, planted around the base of large trees, grown around water features such as streams and ponds, or featured in cottage gardens.

Buy Dianella 'Revelation'

From $16.13

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern

What Is Silver Spear Flax?

The term "silver spear flax" is often used to describe hybrids and selections of Astelia species with silver-toned foliage. One of the most popular is Astelia 'Silver Spear', an outstanding cultivar selected for its robust growth and striking metallic leaves. Unlike traditional New Zealand flax (phormium), silver spear flax is in the Astelia genus, which brings a softer arching habit and unique colour.

Features and Garden Uses

Silver spear flax thrives in both full sun and partial shade, adapting well to a variety of garden situations. The silvery foliage is not only visually appealing but also beautifully complements native plantings and provides a modern contrast against darker evergreens. As a tough, wind-tolerant plant, silver spear flax is ideal for exposed coastal gardens as well as sheltered spots.

Popular uses of silver spear flax include:

Contemporary borders and mass plantings
Understory planting in native and woodland gardens
Feature planting in pots or containers
Low-maintenance accents for commercial landscaping

Pairing silver spear flax with contrasting forms and textures can add depth and interest to your design. For instance, try combining it with Dianella 'Revelation' for blue-green tones, Phormium 'Jack Spratt' for upright accent, or the graceful Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax) for a lush, layered effect.

Care and Maintenance

One of the main reasons silver spear flax has become so popular is its easy-care nature. Plant in free-draining soil enriched with organic matter, and mulch to conserve moisture during dry spells. This robust perennial rarely suffers from pests or diseases. Occasional grooming to remove old or damaged leaves will help maintain its stylish appearance. Silver spear flax tolerates moderate frost, summer drought once established, and exposure to salt-laden coastal winds.

Related Plants for Diverse Landscapes

If you love the look of silver spear flax but want to expand your garden palette, explore related varieties that thrive under similar conditions. Astelia fragrans (Bush Flax) offers broad, green foliage in a more traditional bush flax style, while Dianella 'Revelation' brings an elegant upright habit with blue-tinged leaves. For smaller spaces or intricate designs, Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is a compact flax with great versatility. For those seeking indoor statement plants, Sansevieria Black Coral makes a stylish companion.

Bring Silver Spear Flax to Your Garden

Whether you’re creating a bold landscape or looking for lower-maintenance yet dynamic plants, silver spear flax is an exceptional choice. With its metallic foliage, adaptability, and ease of care, it's no wonder this plant is a favourite with New Zealand gardeners and designers. Explore our range of flaxes and Astelia offerings to find the perfect combination for your space.

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.