Phormium cookianum ‘Emerald Gem’ is a New Zealand native flax cultivar prized for its compact, elegant form and vibrant emerald-green foliage. It adds texture, color, and architectural interest to gardens while remaining low-maintenance.
 
Description
Evergreen clump-forming flax with arching, narrow leaves
Bright emerald-green foliage that maintains color year-round
Forms a tidy, compact clump around 1–1.5 metres high and wide
Produces tall flower spikes with nectar-rich tubular flowers (occasionally in cultivation)
Hardy and long-lived
 
Growing Conditions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates sandy or poorer soils
Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
Hardy to frost, wind, and coastal exposure
Low maintenance; remove old leaves and flower stalks as needed
 
Uses in Landscaping
Ideal for feature plantings and massed clumps
Works well in coastal and exposed gardens
Suitable for contemporary, native, and structured garden designs
Adds architectural form and texture to borders, patios, and rock gardens
Attracts native birds and insects, supporting wildlife-friendly landscapes