African Iris

African iris is the common name for a genus of plants called Dietes, which are native to southern Africa. They are not true irises (genus Iris), but belong to the same family, Iridaceae, and share a similar appearance with their sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers. They are also widely known by other names, such as Fortnight Lily and Butterfly Iris, because their flowers bloom in succession over a long period.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: African iris plants grow in dense, evergreen clumps with long, stiff, sword-like leaves that are arranged in a fan shape. The foliage typically reaches 2-4 feet in height. The flowers are borne on long, wiry stalks that rise above the foliage.
• Flowers: The flowers are a striking feature, resembling a classic iris with six petals. The most common species have distinct color patterns:
  • Dietes grandiflora (Large Wild Iris): Has white petals with yellow and purple or brown markings near the center. Its flowers are the largest of the common species and can last for up to three days.
  • Dietes iridioides (Fortnight Lily): Has slightly smaller, white flowers with yellow and purple markings. The name “fortnight lily” comes from the fact that the flowers often appear in waves, lasting only a day or so.
  • Dietes bicolor (Yellow Wild Iris): Features pale yellow flowers with dark brown or maroon spots on the petals.
• Blooming Period: African irises are known for their incredibly long blooming season, which can last from spring through fall and even sporadically throughout the winter in warm climates.

Care and Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: They are adaptable plants that can grow in full sun to partial shade. They will produce the most flowers in a sunny location, but afternoon shade in hot climates can help prevent leaf burn.
• Soil: They are not fussy about soil type but absolutely require good drainage. They can tolerate a range from sandy to clay soils as long as they don’t stay waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
• Watering: Once established, African irises are very drought-tolerant. They perform best with consistent moisture, but they are resilient and can handle dry spells. They can even be grown in boggy or wet conditions, making them a good choice for water gardens.
• Pruning: African irises are low-maintenance plants. You can remove dead or yellowing leaves to keep the clump looking tidy. It’s best to leave the flower stalks on the plant, even after the blooms fade, as they will continue to produce new flowers.

Common Uses

African iris is an excellent choice for a variety of landscaping applications due to its hardiness and long bloom time. It is widely used for:

• Mass plantings and borders
• Groundcover on banks and slopes
• Foundation plantings
• Container gardening
• Around water features or in low-lying areas where other plants might not thrive