



5x Purple Harakeke - $5.99 each
Phormium tenax Purple
Common Names:
New Zealand Flax, Harakeke, Purple Flax
Family:
Asphodelaceae
Origin:
New Zealand
Plant Type:
Evergreen Flax / Architectural Perennial
Overview:
Phormium tenax Purple is a bold, architectural New Zealand native grown for its rich purple-toned foliage and strong upright form. Tough, reliable, and easy to grow, it is ideal for adding year-round colour and structure to gardens, landscapes, and challenging sites.
Key Features:
Foliage: Broad, strap-like leaves in deep purple to bronze-purple tones
Flowers / Fruit: Tall flower spikes may appear in summer, bearing nectar-rich flowers attractive to birds
Form & Habit: Strong, upright, clump-forming habit with a bold architectural presence
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Cultural & Ecological Value: Harakeke is an important traditional plant in New Zealand and also provides habitat and nectar value for wildlife
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5m–2.5m |
| Spread | 1.5m–2m |
| Form | Upright, clumping |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low to moderate once established |
| Soil | Tolerates most soil types, best in free-draining soil |
| pH Range | Acid to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates frost and exposed conditions |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
- Ideal as a bold feature plant in modern or native gardens
- Excellent for mass planting and large landscape schemes
- Suitable for coastal, windy, and exposed sites
- Great for screening, contrast planting, and erosion-prone areas
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Remove old, damaged, or spent leaves from the base as needed
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established
Feeding: Usually not necessary, though a light spring feed can encourage strong growth
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy and trouble-free
Additional Tips:
Plant in a sunny position for the best foliage colour. This is a very hardy plant suited to a wide range of New Zealand conditions, including wind, coastal exposure, and poor soils.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Harakeke has long been valued in New Zealand for its strong fibres, traditionally used for weaving, rope, and practical everyday items.
Why Choose Phormium tenax Purple?
Choose Phormium tenax Purple for its bold colour, tough nature, and strong architectural form. It is an excellent low-maintenance choice for adding structure and impact to almost any garden.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Original: $17.83
-65%$17.83
$6.24Product Information
Product Information
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Shipping & Returns
Description
Phormium tenax Purple
Common Names:
New Zealand Flax, Harakeke, Purple Flax
Family:
Asphodelaceae
Origin:
New Zealand
Plant Type:
Evergreen Flax / Architectural Perennial
Overview:
Phormium tenax Purple is a bold, architectural New Zealand native grown for its rich purple-toned foliage and strong upright form. Tough, reliable, and easy to grow, it is ideal for adding year-round colour and structure to gardens, landscapes, and challenging sites.
Key Features:
Foliage: Broad, strap-like leaves in deep purple to bronze-purple tones
Flowers / Fruit: Tall flower spikes may appear in summer, bearing nectar-rich flowers attractive to birds
Form & Habit: Strong, upright, clump-forming habit with a bold architectural presence
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Cultural & Ecological Value: Harakeke is an important traditional plant in New Zealand and also provides habitat and nectar value for wildlife
Mature Size:
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.5m–2.5m |
| Spread | 1.5m–2m |
| Form | Upright, clumping |
Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Water | Low to moderate once established |
| Soil | Tolerates most soil types, best in free-draining soil |
| pH Range | Acid to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates frost and exposed conditions |
Landscaping & Garden Uses:
- Ideal as a bold feature plant in modern or native gardens
- Excellent for mass planting and large landscape schemes
- Suitable for coastal, windy, and exposed sites
- Great for screening, contrast planting, and erosion-prone areas
Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Remove old, damaged, or spent leaves from the base as needed
Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once established
Feeding: Usually not necessary, though a light spring feed can encourage strong growth
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy and trouble-free
Additional Tips:
Plant in a sunny position for the best foliage colour. This is a very hardy plant suited to a wide range of New Zealand conditions, including wind, coastal exposure, and poor soils.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight:
Harakeke has long been valued in New Zealand for its strong fibres, traditionally used for weaving, rope, and practical everyday items.
Why Choose Phormium tenax Purple?
Choose Phormium tenax Purple for its bold colour, tough nature, and strong architectural form. It is an excellent low-maintenance choice for adding structure and impact to almost any garden.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.






















