Mountain Flax

Phormium Cookianum

Design with this plant

Overview

Phormium cookianum, commonly known as Mountain Flax, is a robust, evergreen perennial sporting sword-like leaves, reaching up to 3 ft in length. This New Zealand native thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring well-drained soils and full to partial sun. It boasts unique, curving yellow or red flower spikes up to 5 ft tall, adding a dramatic touch to the landscape. Low-maintenance; ideal for mass planting and coastal gardens.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, Low, Medium, Very LowZones 8–10

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — commonly known as Mountain Flax

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Extra in Summer, Low, Medium, Very Low
USDA zones: 8–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Agavaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (68)

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — evergreen perennial sporting sword-like leaves; making it an ideal focal point or accent plant.<br><br>The leaves of

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — commonly known as Mountain Flax; this New Zealand native thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring well-drained soils and

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — reaching up to 3 ft in length; space them approximately 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for mature growth

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — adding a dramatic touch to the landscape; it requires minimal maintenance once established

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki; curving yellow or red flower spikes up to 5 ft tall

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Low-maintenance; ideal for mass planting and coastal gardens; coupled with its striking appearance

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — This New Zealand native thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring well-drained soils and full to partial sun; commonly known

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — curving yellow or red flower spikes up to 5 ft tall; commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — withstanding temperatures down to approximately 20°F to 25°F; its architectural form and richly textured foliage

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Space them approximately 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for mature growth; reaching up to 3 ft in length

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — as the plant's foliage can be quite expansive; though it should be protected from harsh

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — consider its need for space; dramatic flower spikes can shoot up to an additional 6 to 10 feet

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — It requires minimal maintenance once established; adding a dramatic touch to the landscape

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — from coastal exposure to partial shade; makes it a valuable addition to borders

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — dramatic flower spikes can shoot up to an additional 6 to 10 feet; consider its need for space

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — providing visual interest throughout the year; is a robust and versatile perennial native to New Zealand

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — making it an ideal focal point or accent plant.<br><br>The leaves of Mountain Flax offer a variety of colors; evergreen

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Its architectural form and richly textured foliage add a touch of exotic sophistication to landscape designs; withstanding

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — is a robust and versatile perennial native to New Zealand; providing visual interest throughout the year

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — coupled with its striking appearance; low-maintenance; ideal for mass planting and coastal gardens

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — <br><br>Mountain Flax's resilience; perennial / shrub for full or half

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — though it should be protected from harsh; as the plant's foliage can be quite expansive

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — perennial / shrub for full or half; <br><br>Mountain Flax's resilience

Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — makes it a valuable addition to borders; from coastal exposure to partial shade

Related plants

Utah Agave (Agave Utahensis) — Utah Agave (Agave utahensis) is a striking succulent native to the Mojave Desert

Utah Agave

Agave Utahensis

Full · Zones 6–10

Palmer's Agave (Agave Palmeri) — Palmer's Agave (Agave palmeri) is a statuesque

Palmer's Agave

Agave Palmeri

Full · Zones 8–11

Century Plant, Maguey (Agave Americana) — commonly known as Century Plant or Maguey

Century Plant, Maguey

Agave Americana

Full · Zones 8–11

Celsii Agave (Agave Celsii) — also known as 'Celsii Agave,' is a striking succulent featuring rosettes of green

Celsii Agave

Agave Celsii

Full · Zones 8–10

Dragon Tree (Dracaena Draco) — Dracaena draco, commonly called Dragon Tree, is an iconic, slow-growing evergreen

Dragon Tree

Dracaena Draco

Full · Zones 10–10

'Bad Hair Day' Mangave (Mangave hybrid) — Proven Winners - Art & Sol® 'Bad Hair Day' - Mangave hybrid plant details, information and resources

'Bad Hair Day' Mangave

Mangave hybrid

Full