Libertia peregrinans

RHS Plant Profile
New Zealand iris
New Zealand iris RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, but suckering evergreen plant to 60cm tall, making a clump of narrow leaves, often orange-tinted, with short stems bearing clusters of bowl-shaped white flowers among the leaves in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Libertia are clump-forming perennials with grass-like, evergreen leaves and panicles of saucer-shaped white or blue flowers, followed by orange seed capsules
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots outdoors as soon as ripe or propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Remove flower stalks after flowering, tidy up in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free