Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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.
$13.14
$13.80
The average plant height is 10 cm
$15.54
The average plant height is 60 cm
$17.40

Buy more Phormium cookianum plants and save - Free Shipping over $150.

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.

phormium-apricot-queen-2
Most Popular

Phormium Apricot Queen

Phormium Apricot Queen is a variety of Flax that produces apricot and yellow leaves with a green margin. It grows to 1.3 m tall and the same wide in...

From$18.60
A large Phormium 'Jester' plant with colourful foliage.
Most Popular

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$18.60
phormium-surfer-
Most Popular

Phormium Surfer

Phormium Surfer is a smaller Flax that features olive-green and bronze leaves. It grows to 80 cm tall and wide in full sun on a well-drained site...

From$14.34
phormium-surfer-bronze--5
Most Popular

Phormium Surfer Bronze

Phormium Surfer Bronze is a Flax variety that features chocolate brown leaves with a hint of olive green. It grows to 60 cm tall and wide in full sun...

From$18.60
phormium-stripy-mist-
Most Popular

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$18.60
Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
Most Popular

Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

From$11.94
phormium-rainbow-maiden-1
Most Popular

Phormium Rainbow Maiden

Phormium Rainbow Maiden is a variety of Flax that produces long leaves that are dark pink with a dark red-brown margin. This variety typically grows...

From$18.60
phormium-moonraker--3
Most Popular

Phormium Moonraker (Moonraker Flax)

Phormium Moonraker is a variety of Flax that produces cream and green leaves, and grows with a tidy and compact habit to about 75 cm tall and the...

From$18.60

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews