Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Dietes iridioides

African Iris, Fortnight Lily, Morea Iris, Wild 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. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant flowers in succession, providing a continuous display. This low-maintenance plant thrives in New Zealand gardens, tolerating drought, coastal conditions, and light frosts once established.

dietes-iridioides-2
dietes-iridioides-1

Dietes iridioides (African Iris) is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Dietes available.

explore them here

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Perennials
Height:70 cm
Spread:40 cm
Flowering time:Spring, Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses:Banks, Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles:Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asAfrican Iris, Fortnight Lily, Morea Iris, Wild Iris
Sku11307

What are the garden uses for Dietes iridioides in NZ?

Dietes iridioides is a much-loved evergreen perennial in NZ gardens. This amazing plant is commonly used in border plantings, planted beside water features, maintained in a container, added to a mixed planting, included in a tropical garden, or mass planted on banks. It is well suited to modern and tropical gardens as well as partially shaded areas. The lush foliage and gorgeous flowers afford wonderful contrasts and brightens a space. Little wonder Dietes iridioides is so popular in garden designs with landscapers across NZ.

Dietes iridioides for sale

The Plant Company has the best Dietes iridioides plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Dietes iridioides care

Dietes iridioides care is simply about getting a few easy things right so the plant thrives. They prefer a sheltered spot in full sun or part shade. A well-drained, fertile soil is crucial for success as heavy and wet soils can cause root rot issues. Adding organic matter like compost into the soil during planting will help with soil fertility. They prefer a dry soil but will benefit from watering during dry periods but be careful to avoid overwatering. Applying shrub fertiliser in spring will keep the plants well-fed for the year. Prune in autumn and winter to remove spent leaves. New leaves will emerge when conditions warm. Applying mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Monitor for mealy bugs around the roots and treat as needed with a systemic insecticide or soil drench.

What does the Dietes iridioides iris need to grow well?

Dietes iridioides iris plants grow best when positioned in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained soil. They are tolerant of frost, coastal environments, and humid climates. Some wind protection is important to ensure the flowers are not damaged and encourage more prolific flowering.

What is the common name for Dietes iridioides?

The common names for Dietes iridioides include African iris, Fortnight lily, Morea iris, and Wild iris. "African iris" is the most common name for this plant.

What is the difference: Dietes grandiflora vs Dietes iridioides

Dietes grandiflora and Dietes iridioides are often confused, as they share a similar appearance. However, there are key differences that distinguish them. Dietes grandiflora has significantly larger flowers that last for several days. Dietes iridioides has smaller flowers that typically only last for 1-2 days. Dietes grandiflora has dark spots or brown markings at the base of its outer tepals (petal-like segments). Dietes iridioides lacks these dark spots; it primarily has yellow markings. Dietes grandiflora tends to be a larger plant, reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Dietes iridioides (African Iris)? We are here to help.

dietes-bicolor--3
Most Popular

Dietes bicolor (Fortnight Lily)

Dietes bicolor, commonly known as Yellow Wild Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to South Africa. It features sword-like...

From$19.04
Dietes grandiflora flower.
Most Popular

Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, commonly called Fairy Iris, is prized for its sword‑like evergreen foliage and delicate white flowers marked with yellow and...

From$19.04
dietes-lemon-drops-1
Most Popular

Dietes Lemon Drops (Lemon Drop Fortnight Lily)

Dietes Lemon Drops, commonly known as the Fortnight Lily or simply as an Iris, produces white flowers that have three distinct, yellow spots. These...

From$19.04
dietes-grandiflora-variegata-
Most Popular

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 and marked with...

Schizocentron elegans growing over a rock with lush, dark green leaves and dark pink flowers.
Most Popular

Schizocentron elegans (Spanish Shawl)

Schizocentron elegans, commonly known as Spanish Shawl, is a low growing, herbaceous perennial often used as a groundcover. It forms a mat of green...

From$21.32
geum-tempo-yellow-
Most Popular

Geum Tempo Yellow

Geum Tempo Yellow, commonly known as Tempo Yellow Avens, is grown for its stunning flowers from late spring through summer. This variety produces...

From$24.92
agapanthus-bertsbrook-
Most Popular

Agapanthus Bertsbrook (Bertsbrook Agapanthus)

Agapanthus Bertsbrook is an herbaceous perennial that produces beautiful, mid-blue flowers throughout summer. The petals have an interesting darker...

From$21.98
begonia-fuchsioides-
Most Popular

Begonia fuchsioides

Begonia fuchsioides, commonly known as the Begonia shrub or Fuchsia Begonia, grows as a bushy plant with small and glossy, dark green leaves held on...

From$29.33

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews