LIBERTIA. Widely scattered, Southern Hemisphere (those described here are native to New Zealand). This is an interesting group of evergreen perennials related to the irises and much like them in foliage. All form compact clumps with erect fans of tough, stiff, softly shiny leaves. In late spring and summer they display many nearly triangular 1/2" to 1" blossoms shaded pure white to light blue on openly branched stems. They are especially useful in poolside and accent plantings and thrive as well in containers. Sun or light shade near the coast, part shade inland, reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering. Hardy to 15^oF. or less.

caerulescens is one of the dwarfer species, about 1’ in this selection, received from Warren Roberts of the U.C. Davis Arboretum. The leaves are quite narrow and bluish green. Small light blue flowers are borne in short, rather dense clusters.

grandiflora. A vigorous, densely clumping species, with relatively broad, bright green leaves 6-18" long. Pure white 3/4" (or larger) blossoms are borne in several crowded clusters along each stem, often sporadically from spring to fall.

ixioides is distinguished from the last by its narrower, rigidly straight leaves and by their coloring. Each has a central band of light green, often with a slight orange cast, and dark green margins. The flowers are usually a little smaller than those of L. grandiflora but presented in broader clusters. Their color is white overall, with some green or brown shading.

peregrinans. Plants of this species are strongly rhizomatous, making broad colonies. They grow 1-2’ tall and have narrow, strikingly colored leaves. These are green along the central rib and broadly margined in orange. The 3/4" blossoms are pure white.