Libertia spp.

How to Grow Libertia

Are you after a strappy leaved grass plant that provides the same look as a liriope but has a white flower similar to that of the 'One Day' iris? Look no further than the Libertia! This grass plant, with species native to New Zealand and Australia, provide great leaf form and shape around borders and burst into flower come Spring.

Full sun to semi-shade

Regular watering

Can tolerate all soil types

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow libertia in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets half-shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the plant.

Step 5

Feed every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow libertia in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives half shade.

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the plant.

Step 6

Feed every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Natural Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

To keep the plant looking its best, give it a hard prune back in late autumn.
This plant can be easily propagated through division in autumn by carefully removing it from the ground or pot and dividing the rhizomes with a sharp spade.
There are two main species available in Australia:

Grass Flag (L. paniculata).This is an Australian native species from the east coast of Australia. Perfect for partly shaded gardens. Can tolerate light frosts and is great to use as a border or as an additional attractant for insects into the garden.

Goldfinger (L. Ixioides).
This Libertia calls New Zealand home and is great for those that want a plant that can handle full sun to part shade. Varieties such as Taupo Blaze provide great purple foliage colour in winter followed by white flowers in spring..