New Zealand flax describes the common New Zealand perennial plants Phormium tenax and Phormium colensoi, known by the Māori names harakeke and wharariki respectively. Although given the common name 'flax' they are quite distinct from the Northern Hemisphere plant known as flax (Linum usitatissimum).

There are two identified species of flax in New Zealand - common flax (harakeke) and mountain flax (wharariki). We all recognise the tall, green, sword-like leaves of flax that can be found growing throughout New Zealand.

Phormium tenax (called flax in New Zealand English; harakeke in Māori; New Zealand flax[1][2] outside New Zealand; and New Zealand hemp[1] in historical nautical contexts) is an evergreen perennial plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island that is an important fibre plant and a popular ornamental plant. [3] .

Apr 28, 2022 · Learn to grow New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax), a colorful, sword-leafed perennial plant popular in containers and as garden focal points.

Jun 21, 2024 · With its striking lance-shaped leaves in bold colors, New Zealand flax is often used as an alternative to ornamental grass where more texture and a dash of color are desired. This low-maintenance, heat-loving plant is an evergreen perennial in Zones 9-11 and grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Establishing NZ flax plants (Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum) and getting them to grow well is generally easy when you get a few of the basics right. This involves planting them in the right soil type, choosing the most ideal planting position, selecting the best variety, and ensuring the plants have the essentials to thrive.

The two species are widely known in New Zealand as flax or their Māori names wharariki and harakeke respectively, and elsewhere as New Zealand flax or flax lily, but they are not closely related to the Northern Hemisphere's flax (Linum usitatissimum), which is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and has been ...

Stunning focal point for the garden, Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax) is a very ornamental and robust evergreen perennial featuring a basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, upright leaves up to 10 ft. long (3 m), ranging from green to bronze to chocolate-brown.

Mar 29, 2021 · New Zealand flax plant information indicates that tubular, showy flowers appear on erect stems but only in their native region and rarely in greenhouse care. New Zealand flax plants offer architectural interest but are not winter hardy and …

Jun 5, 2024 · Add a touch of exotic flair to your outdoor space with the Best New Zealand Flax Varieties discussed below. This versatile and beautiful plant has become even more fascinating to gardeners and botanists alike.