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Mountain Flax

Phormium Cookianum

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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 8–10Type Perennial, Shrub
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Its architectural form and richly textured foliage add a touch of exotic sophistication to landscape designs

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial, Shrub
Family
Agavaceae

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Photos (88)

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) — 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) — This New Zealand native thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring well-drained soils and full to partial sun
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — commonly known as Mountain Flax; this New Zealand native thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring well-drained, image 49
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — is a robust and versatile perennial native to New Zealand; providing visual interest throughout the year
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) — curving yellow or red flower spikes up to 5 ft tall
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — dramatic flower spikes can shoot up to an additional 6 to 10 feet
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Low-maintenance; ideal for mass planting and coastal gardens
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Its architectural form and richly textured foliage add a touch of exotic sophistication to landscape designs, image 58
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — adding a dramatic touch to the landscape
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — <br><br>Mountain Flax's resilience; perennial / shrub for full or half
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — consider its need for space
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — curving yellow or red flower spikes up to 5 ft tall; commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki, image 53
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — 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) — reaching up to 3 ft in length
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — coupled with its striking appearance
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — is a robust and versatile perennial native to New Zealand; providing visual interest throughout the year, image 57
Mountain Flax (Phormium Cookianum) — Low-maintenance; ideal for mass planting and coastal gardens; coupled with its striking appearance
Phormium Cookianum
Phormium Cookianum
Phormium Cookianum
Phormium Cookianum
Photographs by 7 contributors

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