Harakeke (New Zealand flax)
A tough, sculptural clumping plant central to Māori weaving (whatu raranga) and one of the best nectar sources in a native garden - tall flower stalks (up to 4-6m) draw tūī and bellbird over summer. Very low-maintenance once established; just remove old outer leaves at the base each year rather than cutting tips.
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Spacing
- 150cm
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Grows in
- Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
- Mature height
- 2m
- Flowering season
- Jan, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Attracts wildlife
- Tūī, Bellbird/korimako, Native bees, Silvereye/tauhou
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Common pests
- Flax weevil, Flax mealybug
When to plant by region
In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: March-April and September-November. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: September-November.
Growing stages
Planting & establishmentFirst few months
- Water regularly through the first summer while the clump establishes, even though mature plants only need moderate water
- Check for flax weevil and flax mealybug on soft young leaves
- Full sun helps young plants form a strong clump
Early growthFirst 1-2 years
- Remove old outer leaves at the base as the clump fills out, rather than cutting leaf tips
- Keep watching for flax weevil, which can notch and damage the strappy leaves
FloweringOctober-January
- Tall flower stalks up to 4-6m are one of the best nectar sources in a native garden for tūī and bellbird
- Leave spent flower stalks in place until birds have finished feeding before tidying up
Maturity
- Very low-maintenance once established; ongoing care is just removing old outer leaves at the base each year
- Large clumps can be divided if they outgrow their space