PHORMIUM

Commonly known as New Zealand flax

These architectural plants can be grown in tubs and make excellent features on the patio. They prefer a hot dry site and are perfectly hardy if sheltered from strong winds. In colder areas they need to be given some mulch or other protection around the base of the plant in winter.

Genus of two species of evergreen perennials P. cookianum (Mountain flax) and P. tenax (New Zealand flax).

They are found in scrub and swamps and on hillsides and riverbanks in areas ranging from coasts to mountains in New Zealand.

The flax label originates from the Cook expedition where the native popuation wore garments similar to linens (made from flax).

An industry was proposed for the Scillies in the late 1800s, probably for rope, but nothing came of it. Naturalised plants of P. tenax can be found all over the Isles.

Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes

Good to know
Two species, P. cookianum (Mountain flax), P. tenax (New Zealand flax). Good focal point plant. Ideal for coastal garden.
Place of origin
From coasts to mountains in New Zealand
Resistant to honey fungus
These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
Evergreen
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

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Phormiums - Care Guide

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PHORMIUM 'Alison Blackman'

A new release with distinctive olive green centres to the leaves which have golden cream stripes and a thin margin of orange-red

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Apricot Queen'

Yellow leaves overlaid with apricot, edged dark green bronze

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Back in Black'

Compact, dwarf habit and very dark foliage

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Black Adder'

A fantastic deep burgundy coloured phormium with a semi-upright habit. Grows to 4 ft

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Black Rage'

An outstanding black leaved phormium with an upright and arching habit. Clump forming

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Bronze Baby'

Arching outer leaves, red-bronze in colour

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'

Variegated green with cream centre and red margin. Spreading and drooping habit

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Dark Delight'

Dark purple-black leaves and a strong upright habit

1.5 to 2 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Envy'

Dark leaves

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'

Bright red and pink leaves which are erect at first and then spreading

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'

Small with weeping habit but compact. Leaves have orange-pink, green and pale yellow stripes

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Gold Sword'

Tall growing variety with stiff upright leaves which have creamy-yellow centres fading to gold with an occasional pinkish flush

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Jester'

A new variety with pink centres to the leaves which have attractive lime-green margins

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Joker'

Bright pink-red on the leaf margins which are dark lime-green in the centre. The reverse colours of 'Jester'

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

PHORMIUM 'Licorice and Lime'

Lime-green leaves with dark purple-black centres

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Pink Panther'

Rich candy-pink foliage margined deep ruby red

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Platts Black'

Rich deep bluish purple coloured leaves and compact habit

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Rainbow Maiden'

Pale pink centre fading cream on outside of leaves

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM 'Rainbow Queen'

Deep pink centre with purple edge

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

PHORMIUM 'Sundowner'

Purple, pink and cream. Tall and upright growing

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Unavailable

PHORMIUM tenax

Green tall growing

2 to 3 Litre

£17.50

Available late spring to early summer 2026
Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.