Botanical name:

Libertia cranwelliae

Common name(s):

Cranwell’s Iris, Cranwell s Mikoikoi, Iris, Native Iris, New Zealand Iris

About:

These plants consist of lush, leafy fans that are either crowded together or emerging at intervals from bright yellow, far-spreading horizontal runners, which are known as stolons. The leaves are long and strap-like, growing along a wide-spreading rhizome that supports their growth. In the spring, white flowers emerge on short spikes, adding to the plant's visual appeal. Furthermore, the attractive orange pods linger on the plant for many months, creating a striking contrast against the greenery.

Natural habitat:

Coastal forest on cliff faces, in seepages, on stream and river banks.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island; East Cape from near Hicks Bay south to the Kopuapounamu valley.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: 

September – November with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January - December

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Flowers, Riparian plantings & Container friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown by division of whole plants. Fresh seed germinates readily.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though