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Phormium cookianum (Mountain Flax, Wharariki)

5 from 1 customers

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is a graceful New Zealand native valued for its arching green leaves and tall flower spikes. It typically grows 1–1.5 metres tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or coastal gardens. In summer, it produces yellow to orange tubular flowers that attract birds and pollinators. Hardy and tolerant of wind, salt, and poor soils, Wharariki thrives in full sun to part shade.

Phormium cookianum (Mountain Flax, Wharariki) plants in a native garden.
Phormium cookianum flax with lush, green leaves in a native garden.
Phormium cookianum in a native mixed planting.
A stunning Phormium cookianum plant with cascading green foliage in a NZ native planting.

Phormium cookianum 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
Sku10171

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

Phormium cookianum 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 helps to lift and brighten a space. Little wonder Phormium cookianum is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.

Phormium cookianum for sale

The Plant Company has the best Phormium cookianum 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 cookianum care tips

Mountain Flax 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 tolerate some wetness, but not prolonged exposure to it. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil during planting will help improve soil fertility. They prefer dry soil but will benefit from watering during dry periods; however, be cautious 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 mealybugs around the roots and treat as needed with a systemic insecticide or soil drench.

What does Phormium cookianum flax need to grow well?

Phormium cookianum 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 cookianum grow to?

Phormium cookianum 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.

Why Buy Phormium cookianum from The Plant Company

Why Buy Phormium cookianum from The Plant Company

Purchase Phormium cookianum (Wharariki) from The Plant Company for quality plants grown for NZ conditions. Enjoy fast, reliable delivery and expert advice to ensure your Phormium cookianum thrives in your garden.

Questions and Answers

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

Reviews

5 from 1 customers
Roger Long - Canterbury

Beautiful plants, great communication, far better pricing than anyone else online, and fast delivery - what else could we need? My wife and I love dealing with you guys and appreciate all your efforts. Businesses that are passionate and care about their customers are hard to come by these days.

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Gardeners love Rose Graham Thomas and Ficus benjamina variegata, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Leptospermum Kiwi, Malus Red Jade, and Graptopetalum mirinae.
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