Flax Harakeke (Phormium tenax)

Harakeke (Phormium tenax), commonly known as New Zealand flax, is a tough evergreen plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. Forms large clumps of long, stiff, sword-shaped leaves that grow up to 2–3 meters tall. Produces tall summer flower spikes (kōrari) reaching up to 4–5 meters high with red or yellow nectar-rich tubular flowers. Thrives in full sun, tolerates heavy wind, frost, coastal salt spray, and handles both dry soil and wet swamps. Wharariki is the smaller of New Zealand’s two flaxes. Steady growth up to about 1.5m. Hardy. Nationwide but more common in south and alpine than Harakeke Phormium texax. Not endangered. Stock Level: Short Supply