Mountain Flax, NZ Flax, Wharariki
Phormium cookianum (commonly known as Mountain Flax or Wharariki) produces long and gently arching dark green leaves. This NZ native grows to 1.5 m tall and the same wide in full sun with good drainage. Phormium cookianum is used for mixed and border plantings, planting around water features, or used in coastal gardens.
Suited to regions: | All regions |
Plant type: | Flaxes |
Height: | 1.50 m |
Spread: | 1.50 m |
Flowering time: | Summer |
Tolerances: | Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind |
Garden uses: | Banks, Living areas, Ponds |
Garden styles: | Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian |
Easy to grow? | Yes |
Maintenance requirements | Low |
Growth rate | Medium |
Also known as | Mountain Flax, NZ Flax, Wharariki |
Phormium cookianum is a much-loved flax in NZ gardens. This amazing plant is commonly used in border plantings, planted beside water features, added to a mixed planting, or mass planted on a bank. The lush foliage and interesting flowers helps to lift and brighten a space. Little wonder Phormium cookianum is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.
The Plant Company has the best Phormium cookianum plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!
Phormium cookianum care is simply about getting a few easy things right so the plant thrives. They prefer a full sun or part shade position. A well-drained, fertile soil is crucial for success as heavy and wet soils can cause root rot issues. They will cope with some wetness, just not prolonged wet. Adding organic matter like compost into the soil during planting will help with soil fertility. They prefer a dry soil but will benefit from watering during dry periods but be careful to avoid overwatering. Applying shrub fertiliser in spring will keep the plants well-fed for the year. Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Monitor for mealy bugs around the roots and treat as needed with a systemic insecticide or soil drench.
Phormium cookianum grows best when positioned in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil. This flax is tolerant of frost, coastal environments, wind, and humid climates. It is a hardy variety that will cope with most conditions, but like all things, the better the growing conditions, the better it will perform.
Phormium cookianum typically grows to 1.5 metres tall and the same wide. This is an approximation as the climate, level of shade, and amount of care the plant receives will all influence these numbers.
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