Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) Libertia grandiflora
Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) (Libertia grandiflora) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to New Zealand (endemic). It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris)
- How far apart should I plant Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mīkoikoi (New Zealand iris). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Tufts of stiff leaves topped by white three-petalled flowers, then golden seed capsules.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora