Libertia ‘Sunset Strain’ – Fiery Foliage and Delicate White Flowers

The Libertia ‘Sunset Strain’ is a striking evergreen perennial admired for its colourful foliage and dainty summer flowers. Its sword-shaped leaves emerge in shades of green but gradually transform through rich tones of orange, red, and bronze, particularly in cooler months – giving it a fiery, sunset-like glow. In late spring and early summer, the plant sends up tall, wiry stems topped with small, white, star-shaped flowers that contrast beautifully with the warm-toned leaves.

With its combination of architectural form and seasonal colour shifts, ‘Sunset Strain’ is a perfect choice for borders, gravel gardens, or containers. Hardy, resilient, and low-maintenance, it adds year-round interest while requiring very little care.

General Information

Libertia is a genus of perennials native to South America and New Zealand, belonging to the iris family. The ‘Sunset Strain’ variety is especially loved for its evergreen foliage that changes colour dramatically with the seasons.

• Habit: Clump-forming, evergreen perennial with upright, grass-like leaves.

• Height & spread: Typically 60–80cm tall and 45–60cm wide.

• Foliage: Narrow, strap-like leaves that shift from green to orange, red, and bronze tones, especially in autumn and winter.

• Flowers: Clusters of small, white, star-shaped blooms carried on slender stems.

• Flowering season: May to July, with occasional repeat flowering later in summer.

• Position: Prefers full sun to light partial shade for best colour and flowering.

• Soil: Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or gravelly ground.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Ideal for mixed borders, gravel gardens, prairie-style planting, or striking container displays.

Its vibrant seasonal colour and fine texture make it a versatile plant that adds drama and warmth to many garden designs.

Care Guide

Libertia ‘Sunset Strain’ is easy to grow and needs minimal attention once established.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; allow 45–60cm spacing for clumps to spread.

• Containers: Excellent for pots – use free-draining compost with added grit.

• Companions: Pairs well with ornamental grasses, heucheras, or echinacea.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly after planting to establish roots.

• Once mature, drought-tolerant but benefits from watering in prolonged dry spells.

• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong foliage and flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Remove any dead or damaged leaves in spring to keep clumps neat.

• Cut back old flower stems once they have finished blooming.

• Every 3–4 years, lift and divide clumps in early spring to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.

Protection

• Fully hardy, with no winter protection needed.

• Avoid waterlogged soils, which can damage roots.

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant, making it reliable and easy-care.

Why Choose Libertia ‘Sunset Strain’?

This vibrant perennial offers a perfect blend of colour, form, and resilience.

• Fiery foliage: Seasonal tones of orange, red, and bronze bring year-round colour.

• Delicate flowers: Dainty white blooms provide contrast in late spring and summer.

• Architectural form: Grass-like leaves create structure in borders or pots.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow.

• Versatile planting: Works in containers, gravel gardens, or as a border highlight.

The Libertia ‘Sunset Strain’ is an exceptional plant for gardeners who value both foliage colour and flower display. Its fiery leaves and elegant blooms ensure lasting impact in any setting, from modern container gardens to naturalistic borders.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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