Overview
Dietes iridioides is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Dietes, part of the Iridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Dietes iridioides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and gravel garden.
About
Dietes iridioides, commonly named African iris, fortnight lily, and morea iris, is a species of plant in the family Iridaceae that is native to Southern Africa. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and gravel garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dietes iridioides
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dietes
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Dietes iridioides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dietes iridioides
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13-15°C (55-59°F) in autumn or spring. Alternatively, propagate by division of rhizomes after flowering. Plants may be difficult to establish
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dietes iridioides?
Dietes iridioides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dietes iridioides need?
Dietes iridioides is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dietes iridioides hardy in the UK?
Dietes iridioides has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Dietes iridioides?
Propagate by seed at 13-15°C (55-59°F) in autumn or spring. Alternatively, propagate by division of rhizomes after flowering. Plants may be difficult to establish.
