Introducing Libertia Taupo Blaze a fantastic new hybrid of one of New Zealand's own native plants, Libertia ixoides.

It hails from Taupo Native Plant Nursery and is being released by Gardening Solutionz™, which prides itself on producing reliable ornamental plants for kiwi gardens. It was selected for its vibrant rich flame red autumnal/winter foliage colour and tidy garden habit. L. Taupo Blaze thrives in most soil types, with dry poor soil enhancing the plants red colour.

Its structured look will add that "wow" factor in gardens all over the country.  This plant will soon become a favourite for those people who are after a plant that has strong foliage lines and good gutsy colour all year round.

Robert Bett, plants man and new plant importer from Auckland says, "Taupo Blaze is the best new landscape plant introduction I have seen in New Zealand for 10 years". That is high praise from someone who sees hundreds of new plants each year. He also mentioned that in recent industry trials in the USA, Libertia Taupo Blaze has been listed in the top 20 most exciting new plants, which is encouraging for New Zealand plant breeders.  It is part of a Libertia genus breeding programme that will see more varieties that are exciting in this genus with different foliage colours and dwarf plant habits.

The plants colour will intensify with cool night and day temperatures. Coastal areas, dry arid situations and poor soils will aid in intensifying the rich red tones of the plant. To enhance red colour we recommend using no fertilizer or choosing a low nitrogen fertilser or applying chealated iron.

Choose Libertia Taupo Blaze for native plantings, driveway edges, for planting under trees or as a container plant. It is also an exceptional choice for coastal gardens.  Libertia Taupo Blaze looks great in mass plantings, combined borders, used as a contrast plant alongside silver, yellow, or lime green foliage.  A great versatile plant, which will add impact to your garden!

It is a "must have" plant this season, which provides year round interest. Fresh green tones enliven the foliage in spring, providing a vibrant colorful contrast that changes through the seasons. Clusters of pure white star shaped flowers are produced in spring followed by attractive orange/red berries in autumn. What a winner!

Libertia Taupo Blaze featured in The Press, June 2007 as Plant of the Month.

Libertia Taupo Blaze is available at all Gardening Solutionz™ retailers throughout New Zealand. For more information on the plant and where to buy it look up www.gardeningsolutionz.co.nz

For more information contact: Megan Baker at megan@gardeningsolutionz.co.nz