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small flax

Searching for the perfect small flax to enhance your garden or landscape? Small flax varieties are prized in New Zealand gardens for their tidy form, architectural foliage, and the effortless texture they bring to pots, borders, and design features. With a range of leaf colours, from vivid greens to bronzed hues, these smaller-growing flaxes offer all the resilience and beauty of their larger relatives, but in a more compact size that's easy to work into almost any space.

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 forms a clump around 40–60 cm tall and wide, making it perfect for edging, borders, pots, or mass planting.

From $8.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, 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'

5 from 2 customers

Phormium 'Surfer' is a compact New Zealand native flax admired for its striking green leaves edged with bronze and red tones. Its upright, arching foliage adds year round structure, texture, and colour contrast to the garden. This hardy and versatile variety is ideal for small spaces, borders, and containers.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 70 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, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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...

From$14.95
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...

From$19.95
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
Phormium 'Emerald Gem'

Phormium 'Emerald Gem' is a dwarf variety of Mountain Flax or Wharariki. It produces emerald-green leaves and grows to 60 cm tall and 70 cm wide in...

From$8.50
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

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...

From$7.50
Callistemon 'Little John' shrub in a courtyard garden covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Little John'

Callistemon 'Little John' is a compact dwarf bottlebrush celebrated for its deep red flowers and fine blue green foliage. Flowering from spring into...

From$27.53
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...

From$249.95
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.
Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$323.65
Dianella tasmanica (Tasman Flax Lily) plants with green foliage and blue flowers.
Dianella tasmanica

Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green and have a lush...

From$20.63
Dianella 'Blaze' plants featuring stunning bronze-green foliage in a garden.
Dianella 'Blaze'

Dianella 'Blaze' is a striking flax lily grown for its colourful, strap like foliage that develops rich shades of green, bronze, and fiery red...

From$16.49
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...

From$14.95
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
Haworthia mirabilis 'Triebneriana' plant.
Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana

Haworthia mirabilis triebneriana is a compact succulent admired for its detailed rosettes, textured foliage, and easy care nature. It is an excellent...

From$15.11
Haworthia fasciata succulent growing in a pot.
Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a popular compact succulent recognised for its upright green leaves marked with distinctive white bands. Its bold pattern and...

From$15.11
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Dianella 'Kentlyn'

Dianella 'Kentlyn' is a hardy evergreen flax lily valued for its graceful arching blue green foliage that provides year round colour and texture...

From$16.49
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$20.63
haworthia-glabrata-
Haworthia glabrata

Haworthia glabrata is a compact succulent admired for its detailed rosettes, textured foliage, and easy care nature. It is an excellent choice for NZ...

From$17.87
prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$399.95
fuchsia-patio-princess--1
Fuchsia 'Patio Princess'

Fuchsia 'Patio Princess' is a compact, free flowering variety bred for containers and small garden spaces. It produces elegant pendant blooms in soft...

From$19.95
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
Planter Bags 3/4 (Seedling Bags)

PB 3/4 Planter Bags are a practical option for growing and establishing small plants, seedlings, shrubs, and young trees. Made for nursery and...

From$15.47
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$299.95
Citrus australasica (Finger Lime) fruit with yellow flesh cut in half.
Citrus australasica

Citrus australasica, commonly known as the Finger Lime or Caviar Lime, is an evergreen shrub grown for its unusual fruit, which is regarded as a food...

From$34.95
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$17.95
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1
Rose 'Cecil Brunner'

Rose 'Cecil Brunner' is a treasured old fashioned climbing rose, admired for its sprays of small, perfectly shaped soft pink flowers and delicate...

From$30.29
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$299.95
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
Blueberry 'Pink Icing' plant with fruit growing in a pot.
Blueberry 'Pink Icing'

Blueberry 'Pink Icing' is a compact ornamental blueberry valued for its striking pink new foliage, glossy evergreen leaves, and sweet berries. This...

From$31.95
A stunning Cordyline 'Salsa' plant with pink and purple striped foliage.
Cordyline 'Salsa'

Cordyline 'Salsa' is a striking evergreen foliage plant valued for its colourful, sword shaped leaves and strong architectural form. The vibrant...

From$25.95
Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Dianella, and Phormium, or related Categories - Flaxes, Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search small flax

Why Choose Small Flax?

Small flax varieties are a favourite recommendation among Kiwi gardeners looking to add native structure without overwhelming the garden. Their compact growth (often only reaching around 30–60cm tall) means they're perfect for sunny courtyards, mass planting, edging pathways, or softening hardscape features. Their neat clumps provide a lush, formal look year-round and require minimal upkeep, making them a practical choice for home gardeners and landscapers alike.

Small flax plants are not only visually appealing, but they're also tough as nails. These natives tolerate coastal winds, moderate frost, and are generally untroubled by drought once established. Thanks to their fibrous leaves and hardy roots, small flax varieties outcompete most weeds and hold their shape whatever the season.

Top Small Flax Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

New Zealand’s small flax selection is better than ever, with cultivars offering a spectrum of leaf colours and growth styles. Some of the most sought-after include:

How to Grow and Use Small Flax

Small flax is incredibly versatile. Use it as a feature in low-maintenance garden beds, pair it with other New Zealand natives, or dot it throughout gravel and rock gardens for year-round foliage interest. Its compact nature makes it perfect for urban gardens where space is at a premium. Small flax also thrives in containers—just ensure a free-draining mix and water regularly in summer.

For best results, plant your small flax in a sunny to lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Once established, these flaxes are drought-tolerant and require little intervention apart from trimming away any old or damaged leaves.

Shop New Zealand Grown Small Flax

Whether you’re starting a native garden or refreshing an established border, small flax makes a stylish, low-fuss choice. Explore our range of quality, New Zealand-grown small flax plants, including Phormium 'Surfer Boy' (Surfer Boy Flax), Phormium 'Pixie' (Pixie Flax), Phormium 'Pepe' (Dwarf Flax), Phormium 'Green Dwarf', and Phormium 'Chocolate Chip' (Chocolate Chip Flax). Transform your patch with long-lasting beauty and legendary New Zealand hardiness.

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.
Celebrate your favourites like Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' and Griselinia 'Canterbury', then branch out with Grapefruit 'Golden Special', Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula', and Myrtus ugni.
–The Plant Company

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