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where is flax grown

If you find yourself wondering "where is flax grown," you are not alone. Flax, especially the varieties known as New Zealand flax or Phormium, plays a significant role in both gardening and the wider landscape of New Zealand. Famous for its sword-shaped foliage and vibrant colours, flax thrives in a variety of settings and is admired around the world for its resilience and unique aesthetic.

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
A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.

Phormium 'Dark Delight'

5 from 3 customers

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to bronze shades. This striking ornamental variety brings drama, colour, and structure to gardens year round. Hardy and versatile, it thrives in a wide range of NZ conditions, from coastal sites to urban landscapes. Phormium 'Dark Delight' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low maintenance, architectural feature.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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$18.23
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$16.13
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
Phormium 'Jester'

Phormium 'Jester' is a showy variety of Flax that produces leaves that are striped with a broad, pink central band and a dark purple border. This...

From$20.93
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...

From$20.93
phormium-stripy-mist-
Phormium 'Stripy Mist'

Phormium Stripy Mist is a popular NZ native dwarf flax that features striking green leaves with a chocolate brown centre. It grows as a very tidy...

From$20.93
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$117.09
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$18.23
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$18.23
phormium-veneer-
Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

From$20.18
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$18.23
dianella-revoluta-kentlyn--2
Dianella Kentlyn

Dianella Kentlyn is a variety of the commonly known, Flax Lily, produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$16.13
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$18.83
dianella-caerulea-goddess-
Dianella Goddess

Dianella Goddess is a variety of the commonly known, NZ Flax Lily, and produces upright, strap-like leaves which are a rich, dark green with a blue...

From$20.18
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$18.23
A mass planting of Dianella caerulea 'Little Jess' plants with lush, green foliage.
Dianella 'Little Jess'

Dianella 'Little Jess' is a variety of NZ Flax Lily that bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring above lush, mid-green leaves. Small...

From$20.18
Dianella Revelation plants growing in a garden.
Dianella 'Revelation'

Dianella 'Revelation' features flower stems that rise above the foliage through spring and summer to bear masses of delicate, blue flowers, which...

From$16.13
dianella-blaze-
Dianella Blaze

Dianella Blaze features broad and gently arching, bronze-purple leaves that are very showy. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and the same wide...

From$16.13
Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev' plants in a garden.
Dianella 'Little Rev'

Dianella 'Little Rev' (Blue Flax Lily) is a compact and hardy ornamental grass like plant valued for its attractive blue green foliage and tidy...

From$20.18
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$109.66
pb-65-planter-bags-
PB6.5 Planter Bags (Grow Bags On Line)

These PB6.5 planter bags are 100 microns thick and hold 3.6 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$37.70
35-litre-planter-bags-4
35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$7.00
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$65.10
pb-95-planter-bags-
PB95 Planter Bags (Growing Bags Near Me)

These PB95 planter bags are 240 microns thick and each bag holds 50 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$193.70
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$48.54
pb-3-planter-bags-1
PB3 Planter Bags (Grow Bags Online)

These PB3 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.8 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$24.44
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$16.13
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PB60 Planter Bags (Garden Grow Bags)

These PB60 planter bags are 150 microns thick and each bag holds 36 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$142.44
Phormium tenax

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dianella and Phormium, or related Categories - Growing media Planter Bags and Flaxes.

Search where is flax grown

Where Flax Naturally Grows

Flax is predominantly grown throughout New Zealand. Two main species, Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum, are native to the country. Wild flax can be found in coastal areas, lowland wetlands, riverbanks, and even subalpine zones. Its robust nature allows it to withstand strong winds, salt-laden air, and poor soils, making it a staple plant along the New Zealand coastlines and rural environments. In particular, flax plays a vital role in Maori culture, where its tough fibres have been woven into ropes, baskets, and traditional cloaks.

Cultivated Flax Varieties and Their Locations

While wild flax forms the backbone of the New Zealand landscape, cultivated varieties have become immensely popular in gardens, parks, and commercial plantings throughout New Zealand and beyond. Flax is now widely grown in home gardens, especially in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, and Christchurch, due to its low maintenance and year-round visual appeal. If you’re interested in adding striking colours to your garden, explore options like Phormium 'Moonraker' (Moonraker Flax), which provides stunning golden-green foliage, or the bold Phormium 'Licorice and Lime' (Licorice and Lime Flax).

Flax Around the World

Although New Zealand is the heartland for Phormium flax, these striking plants are also cultivated in temperate regions around the world. Gardeners in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have discovered that flax performs well in a range of conditions, given good drainage and full to partial sun. This broad adaptability has made Phormium a favourite for low-maintenance borders, architectural plantings, and containers globally.

Choosing Flax for Your Garden

If you are inspired by where flax is grown and wish to bring its beauty into your home landscape, consider selecting from a wide range of cultivars. For example, Phormium 'Purple Haze' (Purple Flax Plant) brings dramatic deep burgundy foliage, while Phormium 'Anna Red' (Anna Red Flax) adds brilliant crimson highlights. If you prefer something variegated, Phormium 'Cream Delight' (Cream Delight Flax) will brighten any garden setting.

Conclusion

So, where is flax grown? Its roots are in New Zealand’s wild and cultivated landscapes, but today flax can be found in gardens worldwide, from local wetlands to urban planters. Whether you love the traditional look or seek bold, modern colours, there is a flax variety ready to thrive in your location. Explore our collection for expert tips on introducing these iconic plants to your home 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.

–The Plant Company

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