Libertia chilensis
Chilean iris
Overview
Libertia chilensis is an evergreen perennial forming clumps of stiff, narrow, iris-like leaves 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long and about 0.4 inch (1 cm) wide, arising in fans from a fibrous rootstock. In late spring and early summer it sends up branched flower stems 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall, carrying clusters of white, three-petaled flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across with yellow centers. The flowers open in tiers along the upper stem over several weeks. They are followed by rounded seed capsules that ripen to orange-brown and split to release shiny seeds, persisting into autumn. The dark green leaves take on bronze tints in cold weather and remain through winter in mild climates. Plants reach full size within two to three years and form expanding clumps. Libertia chilensis grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil and tolerates coastal exposure. Older leaves brown at the tips and need removing to keep the clump tidy. The crown is damaged by hard frost below about 15F (-9C), and growth is poor in dry shade. Plants self-seed where the capsules are left to split. The species is also listed under the name Libertia formosa.
Native Range
Libertia chilensis is native to Chile and Argentina, where it grows in open woodland, grassland, and along streamsides. It is also widely naturalized in New Zealand.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed borders, gravel gardens, and coastal plantings, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Used in groups for the evergreen, grassy foliage and early-summer white flowers. Suited to low-maintenance and seaside gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
White flowers open from late spring into early summer, May into June in most temperate gardens, over a period of three to four weeks. Orange-brown seed capsules follow and remain on the stems into autumn. A scattered second flush sometimes appears in mild, wet seasons.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centerFoliage Description
dark green with bronze winter tintsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Water through dry spells in the first two seasons; established clumps tolerate short drought but not prolonged dryness in shade. Comb or pull out browned outer leaves in spring to tidy the fans. Divide congested clumps in spring every three to four years to maintain vigor. The crown is damaged by hard frost, so in cold gardens a winter mulch over the roots reduces losses. Self-sown seedlings appear around the parent where capsules split.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after the seed capsules fade, or leave them for autumn interest and self-seeding. Dead and browned leaves are pulled away from the base in spring. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons