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dietes plant

The Dietes plant is a versatile and resilient addition to New Zealand gardens, known for its striking sword-like foliage and showy flowers. Often called “African Iris” or “Fairy Iris,” Dietes thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them a favourite for both beginner gardeners and landscaping professionals. With their ability to tolerate both full sun and partial shade, Dietes plants are ideal for mass planting, borders, and even around pools or water features. Their low-maintenance nature means they require minimal care once established, attracting gardeners keen on elegant plants with little fuss.

Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.

Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features sword-like, dark green leaves and produces dainty white flowers with yellow and violet markings from spring to summer.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.

Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

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Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and violet markings. Blooming repeatedly through the warmer months, it adds elegance to New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 90 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
An elegant Dietes 'Lemon Drops' flower.
Dietes 'Lemon Drops'

Dietes 'Lemon Drops' is a variety of Iris that produces exquisite white flowers that have three distinct, yellow spots. These are made on slender...

From$17.87
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

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Native Plant Fertiliser

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Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

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Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

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Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

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Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

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An elegant Dietes butcheriana flower.
Dietes butcheriana (Wide-Leafed Dietes)

Dietes butcheriana, commonly known as Forest Wild Iris, is a hardy, clump-forming perennial valued for its elegant white to pale yellow flowers with...

OUT OF STOCK
Dietes grandiflora variegata plant in a garden with green and cream-coloured leaves.
Dietes grandiflora variegata (Variegated Dietes)

Dietes grandiflora variegata is a popular variety of Fairy Iris because of its eye-catching flowers. The showy flowers are white, marked with yellow...

OUT OF STOCK
Dietes 'Tiny Dancer' flowers held above dark green foliage.
Dietes 'Tiny Dancer'

Dietes 'Tiny Dancer' is a compact variety of Dietes iridioides, characterised by its eye-catching flowers. The showy flowers are white, marked with...

OUT OF STOCK
Dietes robinsoniana elegant white flowers.
Dietes robinsoniana (Lord Howe Wedding Lily)

Dietes robinsoniana, commonly known as Wedding Lily or Lord Howe Wedding Lily, is a striking, clump-forming perennial native to Lord Howe Island. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Dietes bicolor elegant flower.
Dietes bicolor (Fortnight Lily)

Dietes bicolor, commonly known as Bicolor Iris or Yellow Wild Iris, is a hardy, clump-forming perennial with pale yellow flowers marked with...

OUT OF STOCK
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
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Faucaria tuberculosa (Wart Plant)

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Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

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Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Dietes, and Kniphofia, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, and Native Plant Fertiliser.

Search dietes plant

Why Choose Dietes Plants for Your Garden?

Dietes plants are prized for their year-round structural interest and impressive floral displays. Their flowers, emerging in succession throughout warmer months, bring a magical touch to any garden. These perennials are drought-tolerant once established and cope well with coastal conditions, making them perfect for New Zealand’s varied climates. Dietes plant varieties suit a wide range of landscape styles—from modern, subtropical gardens to classic, native-inspired designs.

Popular Types of Dietes Plants

Choosing the right Dietes plant for your space is easy thanks to the different cultivated varieties available. Among the most popular are:

How to Grow and Care for Dietes Plants

A Dietes plant will flourish in well-drained soil and is not fussy about pH or fertility. For best results, plant Dietes in full sun to partial shade, spacing clusters for a more natural effect. Water newly planted Dietes regularly until they’re established, then reduce watering—these plants prefer to dry out between drinks. Pruning is minimal—just remove spent flower stems and old leaves to keep clumps tidy.

Dietes plants are free from major pests or diseases in New Zealand, further adding to their easy-care appeal. They can be divided every few years to maintain vigour and propagate new plants.

Where to Buy Dietes Plants in New Zealand

If you are looking to buy a Dietes plant for your home, browse our range of reliable varieties including Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris), Dietes grandiflora variegata (Variegated Dietes), Dietes iridioides (African Iris), Dietes butcheriana (Wide-Leafed Dietes), and Dietes Tiny Dancer. Enhance your garden with these stunning, durable perennials and enjoy their effortless beauty season after season.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Our garden favourites Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' and Anigozanthos 'Masquerade' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Pecan carya 'Lucas', Ilex 'Sky Pencil', and Photinia 'Black Jack'.
–The Plant Company

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