Dietes bicolor (Fortnight Lily)

Dietes bicolor (Fortnight Lily) Details

Dietes bicolor, commonly known as the Fortnight Lily or Spanish Iris, is grown for its impressive flowers. It produces white, or sometimes light yellow, flowers that have three distinct, dark purple spots. These are produced on wiry stems through spring and summer and held above the foliage. The foliage comprises narrow and sword-like, dark green leaves which are held densely. This herbaceous perennial typically grows to 70 cm tall and 40 cm wide, performing best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. Spanish Iris are tolerant of wind, moderate frost, cool climates, and dry periods. This Fortnight Lily is commonly used in cottage gardens, public gardens, mixed plantings, borders, or mass planted on a bank. This is a great plant for using anywhere a tough, yet attractive specimen is required and for that reason it is often planted around commercial properties or along roadsides. Dietes bicolor is popular with NZ landscape designers due to both its hardy nature and great aesthetics.