About
Dietes robinsoniana, the wedding flower, is a clump-forming, rhizomatous, evergreen perennial from Lord Howe Island producing the characteristic loose clumps of leathery, sword-shaped leaves and a succession of white, iris-like flowers of the genus. A striking and ornamental plant for a sheltered, frost-free garden.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toS Africa, Lesotho
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered situation with full sun
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 in spring. Young plants and divisions can be slow to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free