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variegated flax lily flower

The variegated flax lily flower is a stunning addition to New Zealand gardens, blending striking foliage with delicate blooms for year-round interest. This eye-catching plant is celebrated for its slender, strappy leaves splashed with creamy white or yellow edges, providing instant colour and texture to borders, mass plantings, and container displays. But it’s not just the foliage that makes variegated flax lilies desirable—during spring and summer, arching stems reveal clusters of dainty blue or lavender flowers, closely followed by decorative berries. With their combination of low maintenance, drought tolerance, and visual impact, variegated flax lilies are a top choice for home gardeners wanting structure and beauty in sunny or shaded spots.

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.

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

Dianella tasmanica

5 from 1 customers

Dianella tasmanica, commonly known as the Tasman Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green and have a lush appearance. Flower stems rise above the foliage through spring to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which result in blue berries.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Phormium 'Jack Spratt'

Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand native flax varieties, admired for its narrow, upright leaves in rich bronze to dark...

From$14.95
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...

From$14.95
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
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 '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...

From$8.50
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
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
Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

From$24.95
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Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen succulent shrub prized for its creamy white and green variegated foliage carried on...

From$19.50
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
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Clivia miniata (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata (Natal Lily) is a striking evergreen perennial admired for its bold dark green strap like foliage and vibrant clusters of orange...

From$30.29
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' plants with elegant white flowers bordering a path.
Arthropodium 'Te Puna' (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’ is a compact New Zealand native perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit, slender green foliage, and masses of starry...

From$16.50
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

From$15.50
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Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
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Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight'

Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its fine variegated green and cream foliage, naturally rounded habit, and...

From$18.95
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

From$37.19
Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' plants with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' (Lily Of The Nile)

Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' is a compact evergreen perennial valued for its tidy clumping habit and masses of soft blue flowers held just above the...

From$17.95
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Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
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Camellia 'Water Lily'

Camellia 'Water Lily' is an elegant evergreen shrub admired for its soft pink layered blooms that resemble a water lily. It brings refined colour to...

From$27.95
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
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Ozothamnus Springtime White (Rice Flower)

“Springtime White” is a shrub grown for its prolific flowering and drought tolerance. Clusters of white flowers with a paper-like appearance are...

From$26.15
Echinopsis oxygona growing a pot with pink flowers.
Echinopsis oxygona

Echinopsis oxygona (Easter Lily Cactus) is a striking cactus valued for its rounded to columnar green stems and spectacular trumpet shaped flowers...

From$8.95
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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
Phormium tenax

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search variegated flax lily flower

What Makes the Variegated Flax Lily Flower Special?

The variegated flax lily flower (Dianella species) is highly sought-after for its dual display of dramatic foliage and pretty blossoms. The flowers themselves are small but enchanting, typically appearing in loosely branched sprays that rise above the variegated leaves. Each bloom features delicate pale blue or violet petals and distinctive bright yellow stamens, creating a unique contrast that draws the eye. After flowering, the plant may produce glossy blue or purple berries, further enhancing its ornamental value.

Uses and Benefits in the Garden

This versatile plant is perfect for mixing with other New Zealand natives, making it easy to create layered, textural planting schemes. Variegated flax lilies are often used as ground cover, edging for paths or garden beds, or in pots near front doors for a welcoming touch. Thanks to their drought resilience and shade tolerance, they’re ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, coastal gardens, and tricky spots under trees where other plants struggle. By combining the variegated flax lily flower with related varieties like Dianella Goddess or Dianella Kentlyn, you can enjoy a dynamic garden palette year round.

How to Grow Variegated Flax Lily Flowers

Caring for your variegated flax lily flower is wonderfully straightforward. Choose a well-drained spot in sun or partial shade—while these plants tolerate dry periods, they appreciate an occasional deep watering in extended drought. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and apply a general slow-release fertiliser in spring. Remove old leaves to keep clumps looking fresh and tidy. If planting en masse, space them about 30 to 40 centimetres apart for a lush, seamless effect.

Explore other striking flax and lily options for your garden, such as Dianella Blaze, Phormium tenax, and the uniquely coloured Phormium 'Jester'.

The Perfect Choice for New Zealand Gardens

Whether you’re rejuvenating a border, filling shady spaces under trees, or designing a coastal planting, the variegated flax lily flower brings long-lasting interest and effortless style. It’s a true garden workhorse with ornamental appeal, hardy nature, and reliable, year-round performance. Pair it with natives like Phormium and other Dianella cultivars for a harmonious, layered look perfectly suited to New Zealand conditions.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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