Iris African (Dietes iridioides; Dietes bicolor)

Plant name: African Iris

Scientific name: Dietes iridioides; Dietes bicolor

Plant description:
Dietes iridioides and Dietes bicolor, commonly known as African Iris or Fortnight Lily, are clumping, grass-like perennials valued for their architectural foliage and repeated flushes of delicate flowers. These rhizomatous plants form dense fans of upright leaves, creating strong vertical lines in the landscape. They offer reliable performance in a range of climates and are frequently used in both formal and naturalistic designs.

Flower description:
Dietes iridioides produces white, iris-like flowers marked with yellow and soft violet accents near the center. Dietes bicolor bears pale yellow blooms with dark brown to maroon markings at the base of each petal. Flowers typically last one day but are produced in succession over an extended period, often blooming in cycles every few weeks during warm weather.

Leaf description:
Leaves are long, narrow, and sword-shaped with a smooth texture and rich green color. They grow in upright fans from the base, forming a tidy, fountain-like clump. The foliage remains structured and consistent throughout the year in suitable climates.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen perennial in mild climates; may experience foliage damage in colder regions but regrows from the base.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11.

Mature height and width:
Typically 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, forming dense clumps over time.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for borders, foundation plantings, mass plantings, water-wise landscapes, and container displays. Its upright form works well along walkways, driveways, and poolside plantings. Also effective in low-maintenance landscapes due to its durable foliage.

Native range:
Native to South Africa.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Flowering is strongest in full sun, while partial shade is tolerated with slightly reduced bloom frequency.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil with moderate watering during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods. Avoid consistently waterlogged soil.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance with minimal pest concerns. Overcrowding may reduce airflow and increase the risk of fungal issues. Occasional leaf tip browning can occur in extreme conditions.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles heat and strong sun well. Tolerates brief light freezes, though prolonged or severe cold may cause foliage damage. Plants typically recover with the return of warm weather.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate spacing to maintain airflow. Remove spent flower stalks to keep the plant tidy and encourage additional blooming cycles. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. Position where the upright foliage can provide year-round structure and seasonal floral interest.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.