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(Libertia ixioides)
New Zealand Iris (Libertia ixioides)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-11-18T14:45-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Libertia ixioides, commonly known as New Zealand Iris, is an evergreen perennial herb that is native to the open grasslands, rocky places, and coastal areas of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters), forming clumps of upright, sword-like leaves. The plant produces distinctive, white, iris-like flowers in late spring to early summer, which are followed by ornamental golden-yellow seed pods that persist into fall. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
New Zealand Iris is valued for its structural form, drought tolerance once established, and year-round interest, including its striking seed pods. It is commonly used in border plantings, rock gardens, and as a ground cover due to its clumping habit. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils and may require division every few years to maintain vigor.CC BY-SA 4.0
New Zealand Iris is valued for its structural form, drought tolerance once established, and year-round interest, including its striking seed pods. It is commonly used in border plantings, rock gardens, and as a ground cover due to its clumping habit. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. While generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils and may require division every few years to maintain vigor.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to the open grasslands, rocky places, and coastal areas of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Libertia ixioides, Libertia tricolor, Sisyrinchium ixioides, Moraea ixioides, Ferraria ixioides, Libertia macrocarpa, Libertia restioides, Nematostigma ixioides, Renealmia ixioides
GBIF Accepted Name: Libertia ixioides (G.Forst.) Spreng.