edenhana

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.

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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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

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