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

Phormium 'Thumbelina'

Phormium 'Thumbelina' is a compact New Zealand flax prized for its fine arching foliage and neat rounded form. This attractive evergreen provides year round texture, movement, and structure while fitting perfectly into smaller gardens and container plantings. Its graceful leaves create a soft architectural effect that complements both modern and traditional landscapes. Phormium 'Thumbelina' is hardy, low maintenance, and ideal for borders, pathways, patios, rock gardens, and mass planting schemes throughout New Zealand.

Phormium 'Thumbelina' plant.

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

explore them here

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Flaxes
Height:1.00 m
Spread:1.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku12140

How to grow Phormium 'Thumbelina' in NZ

Phormium 'Thumbelina' grows best in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most soil types provided they are reasonably free draining. It tolerates wind, coastal conditions, frost, and periods of dryness once established. Water regularly during establishment to encourage strong root development and healthy foliage growth. Adding compost to the soil before planting can improve soil structure and moisture retention. Choose a position where the compact form can be appreciated year round.

Phormium 'Thumbelina' care tips

Phormium 'Thumbelina' is extremely easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. Remove damaged or ageing leaves as needed to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth. Apply a balanced garden fertiliser during spring to support healthy foliage and vigorous development. Water during extended dry periods, especially while plants are becoming established. Mature plants are highly resilient and generally require only occasional grooming to keep them looking their best.

Phormium 'Thumbelina' size, spacing, and growth rate

Phormium 'Thumbelina' typically grows to around 40 to 60 cm tall and wide, forming a compact mound of fine arching foliage. It has a moderate growth rate and develops into an attractive feature plant over several seasons. For borders, edging, containers, or mass planting, space plants approximately 50 cm to 70 cm apart to allow for mature growth and healthy airflow. Proper spacing ensures plants maintain their neat shape and visual appeal.

Landscaping uses for Phormium 'Thumbelina'

Phormium 'Thumbelina' is perfect for adding texture, structure, and movement to garden spaces without overwhelming surrounding plants. It works beautifully in modern gardens, rockeries, mixed borders, container plantings, coastal landscapes, and commercial developments. The fine foliage contrasts well with larger shrubs and flowering perennials. Its compact size makes it particularly useful for edging pathways, creating repetition in planting schemes, and adding year round interest to smaller garden spaces.

Why buy Phormium 'Thumbelina' from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company supplies premium quality Phormium 'Thumbelina' plants that are healthy, vigorous, and ready to thrive in New Zealand gardens. Our experienced team carefully grows and selects plants to ensure excellent performance and reliable establishment. We provide expert growing advice, fast nationwide delivery, and one of the largest selections of premium plants available. As NZ’s most trusted plant nursery, The Plant Company is committed to helping customers create outstanding outdoor spaces with exceptional plants and dependable service.

Questions and Answers

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

Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Most Popular 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$15.87
Phormium 'Emerald Gem' in a native garden.
Most Popular 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$17.25
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$21.39
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Most Popular 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$340.69
cordyline-lime-fountain-3
Most Popular Cordyline Lime Fountain

Cordyline 'Lime Foutain' is a fresh and vibrant evergreen plant admired for its bright lime green foliage and graceful fountain like form. The...

From$30.29
dianella-blaze-
Most Popular 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$16.49
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Most Popular Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.22
Phormium 'Surfer Bronze' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Most Popular 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$18.63
There’s more to explore beyond Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' — like the subtle beauty of Persimmon Fuyu, Acer rubrum 'Bowhall', and Phormium cookianum.
–The Plant Company

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.

4.8

445 Google reviews