New Zealand Flax
Phormium tenax
Also listed as Chlamydia tenacissima, Lachenalia ramosa
Also known as Harakeke, New Zealand Hemp, Lowland Flax
Climate Match for your location
See how well New Zealand Flax grows in your area.
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A striking evergreen perennial with long, sword-like leaves in green, bronze, or variegated colors that form an architectural clump. It produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in red, yellow, or orange and adds dramatic texture and year-round interest to gardens.
Why grow it
New Zealand flax offers strong architectural presence and year-round foliage in cooler climates where tropical plants may not survive. Compared to ornamental grasses, it provides more rigid structural form and tolerance for coastal wind and salt spray. The flowers attract nectar-feeding birds, and the plant tolerates poor, well-drained soils where many perennials struggle.
Watch out for
In mild, wet climates, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot during dormant seasons. The sharp leaf edges can cause minor cuts during handling or maintenance work. Container-grown plants may need division every 4-5 years as they become root-bound, though established landscape plants typically persist indefinitely without division.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
Native Range
New Zealand
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Jester features pink-and-green striped leaves for ornamental impact; Sundowner displays bronze foliage with pink edges. Many compact dwarf cultivars are available for smaller spaces, while species forms reach full height and are ideal for bold architectural statements.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking evergreen perennial with long, sword-like leaves in green, bronze, or variegated colors that form an architectural clump. It produces tall spikes of tubular flowers in red, yellow, or orange and adds dramatic texture and year-round interest to gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well New Zealand Flax grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
New Zealand flax offers strong architectural presence and year-round foliage in cooler climates where tropical plants may not survive. Compared to ornamental grasses, it provides more rigid structural form and tolerance for coastal wind and salt spray. The flowers attract nectar-feeding birds, and the plant tolerates poor, well-drained soils where many perennials struggle.
Watch out for
In mild, wet climates, ensure good drainage to prevent root rot during dormant seasons. The sharp leaf edges can cause minor cuts during handling or maintenance work. Container-grown plants may need division every 4-5 years as they become root-bound, though established landscape plants typically persist indefinitely without division.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
Native Range
New Zealand
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Jester features pink-and-green striped leaves for ornamental impact; Sundowner displays bronze foliage with pink edges. Many compact dwarf cultivars are available for smaller spaces, while species forms reach full height and are ideal for bold architectural statements.