About
Libertia peregrinans, the New Zealand iris, is a compact but spreading, suckering, evergreen plant to 60 cm with narrow leaves, often orange-tinted, and short stems bearing clusters of bowl-shaped, white flowers among the leaves in late spring and early summer. An ornamental and architectural 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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
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 propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free