Phormium tenax (NZ Flax, Harakeke)

What are the garden uses for Phormium tenax in NZ?

Phormium tenax is a much-loved flax in NZ gardens. This fantastic plant is commonly used in border plantings, planted beside water features, maintained in containers, added to mixed plantings, or mass-planted on a bank. It is well suited to modern and native plantings where it brings height and texture to an area. Little wonder this NZ flax is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.

Where to buy Phormium tenax plants

The Plant Company has the best Phormium tenax plants to buy in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. Let us take care of your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Phormium tenax care

Harakeke 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 tenax flax need to grow well?

Phormium tenax 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 tenax grow to?

Phormium tenax typically grows to 2 metres tall and the same width. This is an approximation as the climate, level of shade, and amount of care the plant receives will all influence these numbers.

What does the Phormium tenax flower look like?

The Phormium tenax (harakeke or New Zealand flax) flower is quite distinctive and plays a vital role in the plant's life cycle. Mature Phormium tenax plants produce very tall, erect flower stalks that can reach heights of up to 4-6 metres, significantly towering over the foliage. The flowers themselves are tubular in shape and typically measure 2.5-5 cm in length. They are arranged in dense, branched clusters (panicles) along the upper part of the flower stalk. The most common colour of the flowers is brown-red. However, they can also be pink or yellow, depending on the specific plant and sometimes even cultivars. The flowers produce an abundant amount of nectar, which serves as a crucial food source for native birds, such as the tūī and bellbird, as well as insects. The shape of the tubular flower is perfectly adapted to the beak of the tūī. Flowering typically occurs in summer.

What is the common name for Phormium tenax?

The most common name for Phormium tenax is flax. However, it's worth noting that in New Zealand, the plant is most commonly referred to as harakeke, its Māori name. Outside of New Zealand, it is often referred to as New Zealand flax. Historically, particularly in nautical contexts, it was also known as New Zealand hemp due to its strong fibres.

Large Phormium tenax for sale

If you are looking for large sizes of Phormium tenax, please email shop@theplantcompany.co.nz and our team will do their best to source your plant needs. NB: The Plant Company also offers smaller size grades of Phormium tenax for sale.