Phormium Cookianum Green

2026-04-02T12:56:31+13:00

Vendor: Mountain Green Flax
Type: standard size
Price: 8.99

Phormium cookianum Green

Common Names:

Mountain Flax, Wharariki, Green Mountain Flax

Family:

Asphodelaceae

Origin:

New Zealand

Plant Type:

Evergreen Flax / Architectural Perennial

Overview:

Phormium cookianum Green is a graceful and versatile New Zealand native flax, valued for its softer, arching green foliage and adaptability across a wide range of conditions. Compared to Phormium tenax, it has a more relaxed form, making it ideal for naturalistic planting, erosion control, and coastal or alpine landscapes.

Key Features:

Foliage: Soft, arching, strap-like leaves in fresh green tones
Flowers / Fruit: Tall stems with tubular yellow-green flowers in spring to summer; highly attractive to birds
Form & Habit: Elegant, arching, clump-forming habit with a more flowing appearance than upright flax types
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Cultural & Ecological Value: Important native plant providing nectar for tūī and bellbirds; used traditionally by Māori

Mature Size:

Attribute | Size
Height | 1m–1.5m
Spread | 1m–2m
Form | Arching, clumping

Ideal Growing Conditions:

Requirement | Detail
Light | Full sun to part shade
Water | Moderate; prefers some moisture but tolerates short dry periods
Soil | Tolerates a wide range; prefers well-drained but moisture-retentive soils
pH Range | Acid to neutral
Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates frost, wind, and exposed conditions

Landscaping & Garden Uses:

Ideal for naturalistic and native-style plantings

Excellent for erosion control on banks and slopes

Suitable for coastal, windy, and exposed sites

Works well in mass planting or as a softer alternative to upright flax varieties

Care & Maintenance:

Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves from the base as needed
Watering: Keep reasonably watered during establishment; more tolerant once established
Feeding: Minimal requirements; optional light feed in spring
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy and low-maintenance

Additional Tips:

Performs especially well in cooler, wetter climates and coastal environments. Space plants to allow their natural arching form to develop.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:

Phormium cookianum is naturally found in coastal cliffs and alpine regions, making it one of the most adaptable flax species in New Zealand.

Why Choose Phormium cookianum Green?

A softer, more flowing alternative to traditional flax, offering resilience, versatility, and natural beauty—perfect for a wide range of landscaping applications.

Pot Size:

These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.