Phormium Pepe
Phormium ‘Pepe’
Overview
Phormium ‘Pepe’ is one of the smallest and tidiest New Zealand flax cultivars, renowned for its compact form and bright olive-green foliage. Exceptionally hardy and low maintenance, this dwarf flax is ideal for small gardens, pots, borders and native plantings where a miniature structural plant is needed.
Key Features
Foliage:
Narrow, upright to gently arching olive-green leaves. Clean, fresh colouring year-round with a fine texture that suits modern and naturalistic gardens alike.
Flowers / Fruit:
Occasional tall flower spikes in summer, producing tubular red-tinged flowers that attract birds. However, ‘Pepe’ is primarily valued for its foliage and compact structure.
Form & Habit:
Very small, neat clump-forming flax. Dense, tidy and highly consistent in shape—rare among dwarf flax varieties.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Provides nectar for birds when flowering. Excellent for dry, coastal and windy locations. A native species that blends naturally into restoration or ornamental NZ landscapes.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 30–40 cm |
| Spread | 30–40 cm |
| Form | Compact, upright clump |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low once established; drought tolerant |
| Soil | Free-draining soil; tolerates sandy and coastal conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Perfect dwarf flax for pots and containers
-
Neat edging plant for borders, pathways and native garden beds
-
Excellent for small gardens or courtyard spaces
-
Works well in rock gardens, mass plantings or mixed native schemes
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves at the base as required.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; very low once mature.
Feeding: Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring if desired.
Pests & Diseases: Generally very hardy; monitor for flax snails in some regions.
Additional Tips
Ideal for small spaces where full-sized flaxes are too large. Consistent form makes it a reliable structural plant in designs requiring symmetry or repetition.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The name ‘Pepe’ means “baby” or “small” in Māori—a fitting name for one of the tiniest and tidiest native flax selections.
Why Choose Phormium ‘Pepe’?
A miniature NZ flax with clean olive foliage, exceptional hardiness and a perfectly compact form—ideal for pots, borders and small contemporary landscapes.
Pot Size:
These are our large size in 9cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
