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Phormium colensoi

Phormium colensoi, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is synonymous with Phormium cookianum. It produces long and gently arching, sword-like, green leaves. This NZ native flax typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Phormium colensoi makes a fantastic addition to mixed and border plantings, and is commonly planted around water features, added to coastal gardens, or mass planted on a bank.

Phormium colensoi plant.

Phormium colensoi is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Phormium available.

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Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Flaxes
Height:1.50 m
Spread:1.50 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:Banks, Living areas, Ponds
Garden styles:Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku16000

What are the garden uses for the Phormium colensoi plant in NZ?

Phormium colensoi is a much-loved flax in NZ gardens. This amazing plant is commonly used in border plantings, planted beside water features, added to a mixed planting, or mass planted on a bank. The lush foliage and interesting flowers help to lift and brighten a space. Little wonder Phormium colensoi is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.

Mountain Flax Phormium colensoi for sale

The Plant Company has the best Mountain Flax Phormium colensoi plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Phormium colensoi care

Phormium colensoi care is simply about getting a few easy things right so the plant thrives. They prefer a full sun or part shade position. A well-drained, fertile soil is crucial for success as heavy and wet soils can cause root rot issues. They will cope with some wetness, just not prolonged wet. Adding organic matter like compost into the soil during planting will help with soil fertility. They prefer a dry soil but will benefit from watering during dry periods but be careful to avoid overwatering. Applying shrub fertiliser in spring will keep the plants well-fed for the year. Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Monitor for mealy bugs around the roots and treat as needed with a systemic insecticide or soil drench.

What does Phormium colensoi flax need to grow well?

Phormium colensoi grows best when positioned in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil. This flax is tolerant of frost, coastal environments, wind, and humid climates. It is a hardy variety that will cope with most conditions, but like all things, the better the growing conditions, the better it will perform.

What size does Phormium colensoi grow to?

Phormium colensoi typically grows to 1.5 metres tall and the same wide. This is an approximation as the climate, level of shade, and amount of care the plant receives will all influence these numbers.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Phormium colensoi? We are here to help.

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