Libertia is a plant genus that is part of the Iridaceae plant family. It contains about 11 species of perennial herbs that are native to Australia and South America. These plants feature clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves and long stems that have a cluster of flowers at the tip. Landscapers use plants from the Libertia genus as border shrubs or in drought-tolerant gardens. Generally, these plants are propagated by seeds or cuttings.
This genus is named after the Belgian botanist Anne-Marie Libert, who lived from 1782 to 1865. The common names for these plants vary depending on the species. Libertia formosa is commonly known as "snowy mermaid," while Libertia peregrinans is called "New Zealand iris." A variety of L. peregrinans is known as "taupo blaze."
Most of the plants in this genus grow in the southern hemisphere. L. caerulescens and L. chilensis are endemic to Chile, while L. cranwelliae and L. edgariae are native to New Zealand. L. paniculata is distributed across the Australian states of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
Taupo blaze is a widely used plant from the Libertia genus. It typically grows 24 inches (60 cm) in height and spreads a similar width. The foliage is quite dense, consisting of leathery, long strands of leaves that are green to yellow in the summer. By the autumn, the leaves turn orange-red.
The flowers of the taupo blaze are white and shaped like small stars. They typically bloom in late spring or early summer. By autumn, the flowers are replaced by orange-red fruits.
This plant requires well-draining, fertile soil that is either acidic or alkaline. Loamy or sandy soils are both generally suitable for this plant. Mulch should be added to the top layer of the soil during the winter to protect the plant. The area in which the plant is placed should be exposed to sunlight. Once the plant is established, it is tolerant to drought conditions.
Since this plant can survive in areas with limited rainfall, it is ideal for xeriscapes. A xeriscape is a landscape that is populated with drought tolerant plants. It doesn't require irrigation. Instead, all the water required by the plants is obtained from natural rainfall. This type of landscaping is used in regions that are prone to droughts and water restrictions.
The taupo blaze is commonly propagated by seeds. It is recommended to use pasteurized soil to avoid fungal diseases and weeds. The seeds can be grown in containers or outdoors.