About

Libertia ixioides, the New Zealand iris, is an evergreen perennial to about 60 cm forming a dense, grassy clump of narrow leaves which may turn orange-brown in winter. In late spring and early summer, open sprays of small, white flowers, each with three large and three small petals, are produced above the foliage. A graceful and ornamental perennial for a sunny or partly shaded, well-drained border.

About the genus

Libertia are clump-forming evergreen perennials from the Southern Hemisphere with grass-like foliage and panicles of saucer-shaped, white or blue flowers, followed by ornamental, often orange or black seed capsules. Excellent architectural plants for sunny or partly shaded, well-drained borders.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Gravel garden
Native toNew Zealand

Care notes

CultivationGrow 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
PruningRemove flower stalks after flowering, tidy up in late winter
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots outdoors as soon as ripe or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free