The Maoris of New Zealand recognised over 20 different forms of the variable Phormium species including a number of variegated ones. Since hybridisation occurs between the two species and the hybrid characters are known, it is evident that many of the ornamental variegated cultivars available today are of hybrid origin. Highly coloured hybrid cultivars were first raised from seed by W.B. Brockie at Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Later, seed of variegated plants was marketed under the name Rainbow Hybrids and plants thus raised have been further selected and hybridised. Notable among the hybridisers is Mrs Margaret Jones of Tauranga (New Zealand Flax Hybridisers Ltd).

Available cultivars include: 'Apricot Queen', 'Maori Chief', 'Maori Maiden', 'Yellow Wave', P. cookianum 'Tricolor', P. tenax Purpureum Group, P. tenax 'Variegatum' and many others.The strong forms and bright colours of these cultivars makes them ideal for formal plantings and many new cultivars are likely to appear.