Wharariki (Mountain Flax) – Phormium cookianum

Flax are useful in numerous ways. They can be grown as an informal hedge or windbreak/shelter, and are especially good for ground cover or shelter in windy, coastal conditions. They are great as specimen plants, in containers and look equally as good incorporated into mixed plantings, whether that be with native or non-natives, shrubs or perennials.

A medium-sized native evergreen, clump-forming, arching perennial growing to around 1.5m tall with flower spike and 1m wide.

This large perennial produces wide strap-shaped, bright green leaves up to 1.5m long. Cylindrical yellow-orange flowers are produced in summer on tall stems ranging from 60cm to 1.5m in length.

Once established flax are tolerant of a wide range of conditions including windy coastal situations. They will also tolerate both dry and wet but don’t do well in full shade so would prefer full sun. They are also frost hardy.

1.5L (about 30-50cm height)