Libertia Ixiodes
Libertia ixioides
Common names: New Zealand Iris, Mikoikoi
Family: Iridaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial / Clump-forming Iris
Overview
Libertia ixioides is a striking NZ native perennial prized for its stiff, upright, sword-like leaves and clean architectural form. Its foliage ranges from green to golden hues depending on cultivar, and it produces a delicate display of white star-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. Exceptionally hardy and low-maintenance, it is ideal for modern landscapes, mass plantings, and tough sites.
Key Features
Foliage: Upright, rigid, sword-like leaves forming a dense clump; colour typically green to golden-green depending on conditions.
Flowers / Fruit: White starry flowers in late spring–early summer, followed by attractive orange seed pods that extend seasonal interest.
Form & Habit: Clump-forming perennial with a clean, architectural silhouette.
Growth Rate: Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value: Provides habitat structure, attracts pollinators, and performs well in dry, exposed, or coastal environments.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 40–60 cm |
| Spread | 40–60 cm |
| Form | Upright, clump-forming perennial |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun) |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; thrives in sand, gravel, or poor soils |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates frost, coastal wind, and exposed sites |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
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Architectural accent plant in modern or native gardens
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Mass planting for strong structural impact
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Excellent for coastal and dry landscapes
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Works well along paths, borders, and rockeries
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Great companion to flaxes, grasses, hebes, and coprosmas
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves as needed; trim spent flower stems after flowering.
Watering: Water during establishment; low water needs afterwards.
Feeding: Responds to a light spring fertiliser in poor soils.
Pests & Diseases: Very hardy and generally pest-free.
Additional Tips
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Plant in full sun to maximise colour and form.
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The orange seed capsules provide long-lasting ornamental value.
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Ideal for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant gardens.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The genus Libertia is named after Marie-Anne Libert, a pioneering Belgian botanist—though this species is uniquely New Zealand, thriving in conditions many other irises cannot tolerate.
Why Choose Libertia ixioides?
A bold, architectural NZ native offering year-round structure, seasonal flowers, and impressive durability—perfect for modern landscapes, restoration projects, and low-maintenance garden design.
Pot Size: These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
