About
Dietes iridioides, the African iris, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial producing the characteristic loose clumps of leathery, sword-shaped leaves and a succession of short-lived, white, iris-like flowers of the genus. A reliable and ornamental plant for a sunny or partly shaded, frost-free border.
About the genus
Dietes are rhizomatous, evergreen perennials from South Africa and Lord Howe Island forming loose clumps of leathery, linear or sword-shaped leaves, with erect stems bearing a succession of short-lived, iris-like flowers with three large outer segments and three small inner ones, in spring and summer. Reliable and ornamental border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Bulbs
HabitTufted, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Native toSE Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well drained soil in an open, sunny spot; these plants like moisture during the growing season but dislike winter wet. Add a compost mulch in spring. May benefit from winter protection in colder areas. See dierama cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningTidy any winter-damaged foliage by cutting to the base in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division of mature clumps, carefully separating corms in spring. Plants from seed may vary; young plants and divisions can be slow to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free