Phormium
Actually the word Phormium comes from the Greek "phormos" which relates to baskets. Flax was also one of New Zealand';s first exports. The fibre was used for making twine and rope and was highly valued by the British Navy. There are two species of New Zealand Flax - Phormium tenax or Harakeke which is the larger of the two and Phormium cookianum or Wharaiki.
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Flax plants are actually a large perennial herb though we tend to use them in landscaping as we would a shrub. They are incredibly hardy and adaptable and very easy to grow. The long leathery sword like foliage has an attractive arching habit and comes in a myriad of colour choices. The colour of the red varieties is more intense if the foliage is protected from afternoon sun.
The rigid flower stalks stand proudly above the foliage in summer and once mature (when they turn bronzy red) are a magnet for birds. The native Tui';s beak fits perfectly into the shape of the Phormium flower. It is great fun to watch them as they apear to gorge themselves into an almost drunken state on the nectar; definitely one of my favourite times in the gardening year. Phormiums also grow well in a container and there are some neat dwarf varieties which are well suited to this purpose. They must be well watered if container grown as Phormiums do not like to dry out completely. The only maintenance they need is the occasional tidy up of old foliage and flower heads.
If you have a tough, hard-to-develop site or a bank that needs retaining, then consider a mass planting of Phormium. They will do the job for you very well and in an undemanding fashion. Fabulous along stream banks or around ponds, perfect used amongst large rocks or simply use as a foliage feature in your border or shrubbery. Their form, texture, colour and graceful habit are guaranteed to please.
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26 LISTINGS
PAGE 1 2 3 ALL aka Flax Native. A special little dwarf flax with attractive, jet black, fine foliage that is highlighted with a lime green margin. An ideal accent plant for borders or for mass planting. Looks good in container too. Hardy and easy to grow in sun or part shade. Evergreen. Phormium Black Magic Expected Stock Height: 10/20 cm ? New stock expected Middle of March, 2024. Waitlist now. Estimated price TBA. Payment on order.
aka Flax Native. This Flax is far more attractive than its name suggests. The arching swords of foliage are a very attractive smoky black shade with hints of moody blue. Prefers a sunny open position in soil that is not too wet. Feed regularly to maintain colour. Hardy, evergreen.
Phormium Black Rage Expected Stock Height: 40/50 cm ? New stock expected Spring, 2023. Waitlist now. Estimated price $22.99. Payment on order.
aka Flax Native. A unique and striking small Flax with variegated foliage made up of pale cream and chartreuse stripes. The foliage is narrow and slightly twisted and has a strong weeping tendency. Fabulous for group planting or containers. Easy to grow in morning sun or part shade. Evergreen. PVR.
Phormium Blondie Current Stock Height: 5/10 cm ? Container: 1.9l ? $24.99 aka Mountain Flax Yellow flowers appear November to January. Smaller growing than ordinary Flax. Does not like to be water logged but will withstand drought and salt laden wind. Effective in pebble gardens against large boulders. Good for mass planting and erosion control. Evergreen Phormium Cookianum Current Stock Height: 40/60 cm ? Container: 0.5l ? $9.99 aka Flax Native. A compact Flax with attractively arching foliage. The broad leaves have a band of cream, edged with green which is in turn margined with red. Easy to grow in just about any position you desire however will look its best with protection from harsh afternoon sun. Groom to keep tidy. Evergreen Phormium Cream Delight Expected Stock Height: 30/35 cm ? New stock expected Beginning of October, 2023. Waitlist now. Estimated price $34.99. Payment on order.
aka Flax Native. A beautiful medium sized flax with the deepest wine coloured, sword shaped foliage. Imagine the effect of a large drift of these swaying in the breeze. Alternatively stunning in a container. Easy to grow in just about any condition. Evergreen.
Phormium Dark Delight Current Stock Height: 30/40 cm ? Container: 1.9l ? $26.99 aka Flax An award winning Flax valued because of the attractive variegated foliage and nice tidy, compact habit. The sword like leaves have a green centre and are edged with a soft creamy yellow. Will grow just about anywhere and is very hardy. Evergreen. RHS AGM.
Phormium Duet Current Stock Height: 30/40 cm ? Container: 2.5l ? $24.99 aka Flax An excellent small green Flax with bold erect lime green foliage. Suitable for mass planting in smaller gardens or equally quite fabulous as a container plant. Easy to grow in just about any garden conditions. Evergreen.
Phormium Emerald Gem Current Stock Height: 15/20 cm ? Container: 2l ? $21.99 Stock of this item is very low. aka Flax Native. A striking Flax with gracefully arching leaves that are mainly toned a nice rich red outlined with a margin of darker red. Hardy and easy to grow in sun or part shade. Very effective when planted in groups. Evergreen.
Phormium Evening Glow Current Stock Height: 40/50 cm ? Container: 2l ? $24.99 Stock of this item is very low. aka Flax Native Arching sword like foliage in rich green outlined with yellow, forms a nice robust clump. Tolerant of sun or part shade and very hardy and easy to grow. Looks striking when mass planted. Evergreen. Phormium Golden Ray Current Stock Height: 40/50 cm ? Container: 3.3l ? $34.99
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 0.3m x 0.3m
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 1m x 1m
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 0.9m x 0.6m
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 1m x 1m
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 100cm x 100cm
Habit: Arching
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 1.5m x 1.5m
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 60cm x 60cm
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 75cm x 60cm
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size 7-10 yrs (HxW): 1.2m x 1m
Habit: Clump Forming
Mature Size (HxW): 2m x 1.5m
Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: