Libertia Grandiflora (NZ Iris)

The beautiful Libertia Grandiflora (NZ Iris)

A Striking Native for Structure, Flowering Impact, and Year-Round Texture

Graceful, hardy, and effortlessly elegant, Libertia grandiflora (commonly known as New Zealand Iris) brings refined beauty to native gardens, borders, and rocky landscapes. Known for its crisp white flowers in spring and clump-forming foliage year-round, this tough native plant is an excellent choice for both formal and wild-style gardens.

Origin & Botanical Background - NZ Iris

Libertia grandiflora is a native herbaceous perennial found in forest margins and open ground across New Zealand. It belongs to the Iris family (Iridaceae) and is prized for its architectural form, glossy leaves, and showy three-petaled blooms.

Where Libertia Grandiflora Grows Best

Libertia is a true all-rounder when it comes to location, thriving in:

• Full sun to light shade

• Dry slopes and rocky gardens

• Well-drained native planting beds or borders

• Containers and architectural planting schemes

Its tolerance for dry, poor soils makes it ideal for low-maintenance or drought-prone sites, especially where irrigation is minimal—a hardy option for many New Zealand native garden lovers.

Libertia grandiflora is a native herbaceous perennial found in forest margins and open ground across New Zealand.

NZ Iris Planting Guide

• When to Plant: Spring or autumn

• Spacing: 40–50cm apart for mass planting

• Soil & Light: Prefers well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

• Mulching: A light mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds in young plantings

Top Tip - Plant after rain when the soil is moist and warm.

Wildlife Benefits of Libertia Grandiflora

While not a major nectar source, Libertia grandiflora still plays a valuable ecological role:

• Offers habitat and shelter for insects and lizards

• Supports native biodiversity by attracting both insects and birds

• Adds structural diversity to planting schemes, supporting ecological layering

• Provides visual interest that draws attention to native-themed landscapes

• The bright orange seed pods produced after flowering can attract native birds that forage for seed

Libertia is extremely low-maintenance

Care & Maintenance of NZ Iris

Libertia is extremely low-maintenance:

• Pruning: Remove old or spent foliage after flowering to keep clumps tidy

• Watering: Only required during prolonged dry periods when establishing

• Dividing: Clumps can be divided every few years to rejuvenate growth or propagate new plants

Top Tip - Removing spent flowers can help encourage additional blooming, while a light trim in early spring supports fresh, healthy growth as the plant matures.

Libertia grandiflora is a graceful and grounded option for every native garden.

Why Choose Libertia Grandiflora for Your Landscape?

• Provides strong form and clean lines year-round

• Delicate white flowers offer a striking contrast against darker foliage or stone

• Hardy in coastal, dry, and exposed conditions

• A resilient, NZ-native alternative to exotic border plants

If you're seeking a native that brings elegance without fuss, Libertia grandiflora is a graceful and grounded option for every native garden.

Need Help Choosing or Planting Natives?

Native Restorations can help you select the best native species for your site—whether you’re working on a lifestyle block, native border, or full-scale restoration. Contact our expert team today.