Phormium colensoi

Phormium colensoi Details

Phormium colensoi, commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, is synonymous with Phormium cookianum (i.e., they are the same plant but with different names). It produces long and gently arching, sword-like, green leaves. Tall stems rise above the foliage to bear dull pink or yellow flowers in summer which are great for attracting birds. This NZ native flax typically grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide with a tidy and compact habit. Mountain Flax grows best and produces the most intense leaf colourings when planted in full sun on a well-drained site. It will tolerate frost, moderate shade, coastal conditions, wind, poor soils, and cool climates. Phormium colensoi makes a fantastic addition to mixed and border plantings, and is commonly planted around water features, or added to coastal gardens. Wharariki is also well suited for mass planting on a bank and in these situations provides an impressive display.