About
Libertia pulchella (misapplied) is an evergreen perennial with fans of broadly sword-shaped, rough, green leaves to 18 cm, pale greenish-yellow at the base. In late spring and early summer it produces stout, branching clusters of small, white flowers with evenly sized petals, followed by round, red seeds in autumn. A rewarding 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. May benefit from a dry mulch for protection in winter
PruningRemove flower stalks near the base after flowering. Trim back damaged foliage in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free