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

Architectural interest
Good to know
P. cookianum subsp. hookeri 'Cream Delight'. All-year-round colour and flower spikes in summer
Pests & Diseases
Mealybugs.
Place of origin
Garden origin.
Resistant to honey fungus
These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
Evergreen
Australian / New Zealand
Border
Suitable for a shrub border
Coastal / windswept
Ideal for a coastal garden
Fully hardy
Entire
Linear
Height
1.5m (5ft)
Spread
75cm (30in)
Medium shrub
Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height

Clump-forming perennial.
Hardy - average winter
Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
Autumn Seasonal Interest
Spring Seasonal Interest
Summer Seasonal Interest
Winter Seasonal Interest
Fertile moist well-drained soil
Full sun
For best leaf colour.
Partial shade
Tolerates partial shade.
Rabbit Resistant

Mature Size

1.5m (5ft)
	75cm (30in)

View Planting Tips and Care Advice

Phormiums - Care Guide

More Care Guides & Tips

Search Caerhays Garden Diary for more info & pictures

View Customers Also Bought

PHORMIUM 'Jester'

New Zealand flax

Available from £17.50

view

PHORMIUM 'Evening Glow'

New Zealand flax

Available from £17.50

view

PHORMIUM 'Flamingo'

New Zealand flax

Available from £17.50

view

PHORMIUM 'Cream Delight'

New Zealand flax

Available from £17.50

view

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.