How to Grow Libertia Plants
Guide to Growing Libertia, Mikoikoi, New Zealand Iris, Tukauki & Snowy Mermaid,
Libertia are half hardy and hardy perennials.
Plants can reach from 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height.
Libertia formosa by Enez35.
They have grass like leaves. Libertia plants then produce spiky stems that are topped by white flowers.
Libertia ixioides - Taupo Blaze by Megan E Hanse.
Flowering occurs in the Summer, once this has finished Libertia produces orange pods.
Commonly Grown Libertia Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Libertia peregrinans
Libertia peregrinans (New Zealand Iris), photograph by 阿橋 HQ; CC.
Libertia grandiflora
Libertia grandiflora (Tukauki / Mikoikoi), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Libertia chilensis
Libertia chilensis syn. Libertia formosa.
Libertia chilensis (New Zealand Satin Flower / Snowy Mermaid / Chilean-iris), photograph by Dick Culbert; CC.
Libertia ixioides
Libertia ixioides (CommName), picture by Jörn S...; CC.
Libertia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Libertia, Mikoikoi, Tukauki, Snowy Mermaid, New Zealand Iris, Pretty Grass Flag.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
Native: South America, Australiasia.
Family: Iridaceae.
Growing Region: Zones 8 to 10.
Fruit: Orange seeds pods. Glossy.
Small red berries. Summer through autumn.
Foliage: Evergreen. Strap-like. Lanceolate. Linear. Green. Golden. Veined.
Seed: Method 1: Seeds should first be sown into flats in the autumn. Next sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist. Bring the flats indoor at the beginning of spring and keep at 50°F (10°C). Transplant seedlings following the last frost.
Seed: Method 2: In the spring, mix seeds in a moist growing medium, then put in flats, wrap in a large plastic bag, then stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Next bury the flat as described above. Once seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location.
How to Grow Libertia Plants
You can start to grow Libertia in either spring or autumn.
It is perhaps simplest in the spring. The seeds should be sown about 3 mm (1/8th inch) deep into flats. Then the seeds should be imbibed by placing the flats in a black plastic bin bag. Next, place in the fridge for three weeks.
After this chilling, sink the flats outdoors in the shade and cover with glass.
As soon as seedlings appear (germination takes from one to six months), transplant them at about 50 cm (20 inches) apart into a sunny part of the garden.
The location should have good drainage. Ideally the soil should be both moist and sandy.
Caring for Libertia
Although Libertia likes to grow in sunny areas, it should not be in an open area as the plant needs to be protected from strong winds.
If you require more Libertia, then they can be divided in the spring time.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Libertia Plants. You may also enjoy the following Iridaceae family growing guides: How to grow Acidanthera, Tritonia, and Watsonia plants.
If you enjoy the information on this site, then you'll love my book: The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide. Available for Kindle (MOBI), iPad (ePub) and as a PDF.
Genus Index L
