Phormiums are well known as striking architectural plants. The emergence of the impressive dark reddish-brown flower spikes on New Zealand flax or Harakeke (P. tenax) is an added bonus. The flowers open to the joy of the birds; tui and bellbirds adore the nectar. The spike remains upright and strong, producing papery seed capsules, until the flowing season. Cut it down then so that it won't detract from the new season's crop of flowers.
The smaller mountain flax, whararaiki, (P. cookianum) has striking yellow-orange flowers that rise on a short flower spike. Naturally occurring in a range of habitats from the coast to higher altitudes, the leaves of mountain flax has are more lax and a lighter mid-green and this is a good alternative to the large and somewhat bossy P. tenax in many gardens.
There are many phormium hybrids with striped, deep brown and bright green leaves, all are desirable although the larger growing plants can become thuggish. The smaller phormium hybrids are often easier to manage in the gardens and will flower earlier in the season than the species.
The emergence of grasses as a favoured plant is relatively recent. Wellington residents have long been charmed by roadside plantings of Chinochloa flavicans, with its creamy plumes in spring. Like a small toe-toe the flags of this grass last well into summer. Clearly a plant that copes well with wind, C. flavicans grows in most soils and conditions but needs a drier site in warmer, more humid areas.
Climbers New Zealand's showiest climber flowers in spring and you simply can't go past them for value in the garden.
Spring is for New Zealand clematis as the various species do their stuff before the days warm. The sight of clematis-hung bush is one that never palls. You can try Clematis foetida, petriei and forsteri, available from specialist nurseries and increasingly available in garden centres, there are other treasures waiting.
The showiest clematis is still the Puawhananga, Clematis paniculata (syn C. indivisa) that drapes its starry white flowers and yellow anthers in sheets over a host tree. C. paniculata likes a cool, moist root run, reminiscent of its native bush habitat. It will climb just where it wants to and produce masses of its lightly scented flowers, if the kereru don't get to them first, for they are a bird delicacy. The fluffy seed heads that follow remain for several weeks.
C. marmoraria hybrids are running a close second to Puawhananga and the plant breeders have brought us some wonderful new cultivars, lower growing and suitable for training on a trellis or over a rock wall. 'Joe Cartman' is one and 'Sweet Hart', the 2002 Star of Spring, another. Search these out.
Parsonia hetrophylla and P. capsularis, the native jasmines, are more restrained but still very pretty, and the perfume is headier. Small white flowers are held in clusters covering the plant and held clear of the narrow, green leaves. The scent will catch attention. The native jasmines need a cool root run and moist soil, with a nearby support to clamber towards the sun.
Orchids New Zealand has some fascinating orchids if ostentatious orchids. The pretty perching orchid Earina mucronata has long stems of creamy or white flowers that waft a wonderful scent in spring (E. autumnalis, as the name suggests, flowers in the autumn). Grass-like foliage hangs from overhead branches of the host plant. Unfortunately, almost impossible to buy.
Go Native! New Zealand native plants include so many treasures, often rated more highly beyond our shores than at home. Search them out and include them in your planting schemes for the spring garden - not just in the native corner!
'100 Best New Zealand Native Plants for Gardens' A Godwit New Zealand Gardening Guide, this book introduces us to imposing specimen trees, colourful and versatile shrubs and climbers, luscious ferns and more.
Phormium tenax has bold flower spikes or deep red-brown
Mountain flax, Phormium cookianum, has yellow-orange flowers
Mountain flax, Phormium cookianum, has yellow-orange flowers
Creamy plumes on Chionochloa flavicans
Starry C. paniculata is the showiest native clematis
