Overview
Libertia peregrinans is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Libertia, part of the Iridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Libertia peregrinans grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Libertia peregrinans, commonly known as New Zealand iris, is a bushy, herbaceous perennial belonging to the Iridaceae family. It features evergreen foliage and typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south-facing, sheltered sites and prefers moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It provides seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
About the genus
Libertia is a genus of monocotyledonous plants in the family Iridaceae, first described as a genus in 1824. It is native to South America, Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. Eight species are endemic to New Zealand.
Wikipedia contributors, "Libertia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Libertia
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 peregrinans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Libertia peregrinans
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Libertia peregrinans?
Libertia peregrinans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Libertia peregrinans need?
Libertia peregrinans 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 big does Libertia peregrinans grow?
Libertia peregrinans reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Libertia peregrinans hardy in the UK?
Libertia peregrinans has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Libertia peregrinans?
Seed, Division in spring.