Overview
Libertia chilensis is a tufted herbaceous perennial in the genus Libertia, part of the Iridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Libertia chilensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include prairie planting and gravel garden. It is native to Argentina Chile.
About
Libertia chilensis is a robust evergreen perennial that develops into a substantial clump characterized by upright, narrow foliage. In late spring and early summer, it produces clusters of white flowers on rigid stems, which are succeeded by prominent seed capsules.
About the genus
Libertia consists of perennial plants that form clumps, featuring evergreen leaves that resemble grass. These plants produce panicles of white or blue flowers shaped like saucers, which are succeeded by orange seed capsules.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Libertia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Libertia chilensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Prairie planting, Gravel garden
- Native to
- Argentina Chile
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Libertia chilensis
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Needs a warm sunny position and a dry mulch for protection in winter
- Pruning
- Remove flower stalks after flowering, tidy up in late winter
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in pots outdoors as soon as ripe or propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Libertia chilensis?
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. Needs a warm sunny position and a dry mulch for protection in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Libertia chilensis?
Libertia chilensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Libertia chilensis need?
Libertia chilensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Libertia chilensis?
Remove flower stalks after flowering, tidy up in late winter.
How big does Libertia chilensis grow?
Libertia chilensis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Libertia chilensis hardy in the UK?
Libertia chilensis has a UK hardiness rating of H3.
How do I propagate Libertia chilensis?
Propagate by seed in pots outdoors as soon as ripe or propagate by division in spring.