It forms clumps at the base. So, some precautionary measures have to taken in order to avoid it. Dietes or fortnight lilies flower in waves of bloom throughout the year and can be a very troublesome plant unless one deadheads them properly according to each species so the seeds are not carried around by birds. Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month. Natives of southern Africa, these plants are tolerant of drought conditions and will remain green over the winter, unless temperatures dip below 25 degrees F. The fortnight lily (Dietes bicolor) has 18- to 36-inch-long leaves topped with yellow flowers. Dietes bicolor, commonly called African iris, comes from South Africa. Let’s take a deeper look at this evergreen perennial plant, how to plant it and what it required to maintain its majestic look. It can form large clumps if left undisturbed for years. The butterfly or African irises consist of several species in the genus Dietes and are used extensively in landscapes and around water gardens. Dietes Bicolor African Iris Fortnight Lily. However, for best results and most flowers, plant Dietes grandiflora in full sun or light shade in well composted, well drained soil and water well in summer. Great thing about Dietes Bicolor is that it prevents soil erosion as it’s thin upward scaling leaves cover every inch of the ground in which it’s planted and does not leave any space in its surrounding areas, therefore it’s one of those plants which deters weed growth near its habitat. Eliovson, S. 1984. Very invasive plant. The plants will also form corms that can be dug in fall & stored over the winter to replant the following spring. Dietes Bicolor can survive and flourish in almost any soil type and but it acclimatizes well to slightly acidic to mildly alkaline soil with pH 6.5 to 7.2. Excellent for erosion control and weed suppression. More gardeners are growing a Dietes iris (Dietes iridioides) than in the past, especially in USDA hardiness zones 8b and higher. October 29, 2018. Dietes has various species but most commonly known species of Dietes along with Dietes Bicolor are following; These are some of the most common species of Dietes, which belongs to the same genus. Then this may not fit the bill exactly as Dietes Bicolor flowers only tend to lasts for a very short time before dying and resurging back again and also it produces flowers in abundance and which makes it a delightful sight. Dietes bicolor (variously known as African iris or fortnight lily) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial plant with long sword-like pale-green leaves, growing from multiple fans at the base of the clump. Iridaceae. Cut off any winter damaged foliage in the early spring before new growth emerges and make clean pruning cuts straight across the foliage blade at the crown of the plant. The foliage is reminiscent of an iris - long, stiff leaves that grow in fans about 3ft tall. Flowers appear on branched stalks. It is incredibly drought tolerant and low maintenance, and makes a great border plant for rural garden beds due to its fire retardant properties. There is no evidence to suggest it, most other plants which are toxic usually contains white liquid sap in their leaves such as most Europhobia’s (Check out Euphorbia Rigida article here). Dietes Bicolor usually comes in bloom throughout May to September (Spring to Autumn) and leaves usually starts to produces wide array of flowers by the dozens and they are usually very short lived but they rebound immediately and comes back to the full bloom. Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. It’s also recommended to cut off any foliage that is wilting or turning yellow during the growing season. Low maintenance plant. When yellow fortnight lilies (Dietes bicolor) have finished blooming, cut off the flower stalks down to the ground. Dietes Bicolor are generally considered a very healthy plant with a high disease – resistance and immunity but occasionally they do get in some issues normally due lack of care and maintenance. How to Grow a Fortnight Lily in a Container. Prefers well drained soil and a full sun position. Dietes bicolor can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes of large clumps after the flowering period or in autumn. bicolor. Follow these step-by-step process to propagate the Dietes Bicolor; Dietes Bicolor is not a challenging plant to take care of, infact it can survive in various conditions as long as certain conditions are met. Creamy yellow open iris-like flowers cover this clumping, grassy plant most of the year. Well drained soil, prefer rich soil with organic material, better to fertilize before the blooming season but not must, if there is organic material no need of fertilize, when the plant young (in case of seeds or late planting) better to protect it in the winter in hardiness zone 8-10a, How to care: Fertilizer once a year, prune once a year, reduce old plants, What is the best way to start growing? Water plants often the first year. Do let us know on the comment section below. Very drought and frost hardy. It is found on forest margins, in bush or rock outcrops, in the Eastern Cape. Score. There are some plants that just captivates you with their simplistic beauty and Dietes Bicolor more commonly known as “African Iris” or “Yellow wild Iris” is one of them. If you leave these plants undisturbed for years, they can develop huge clumps. Dietes bicolor ( 10 Seeds ) Botanical nomenclature: Dietes bicolor Common name: African Iris, Fortnight Lily Family: Iridaceae. Do not remove flower stems as they continue to flower for several years. It produces many flowers from spring to late summer, with a fortnight (two weeks) of rest between each flowering period. It will add vibrancy to almost any garden as this easy to maintain perennial blooms and produces dozens of flowers throughout the year. This species belongs to the Iridaceae (Iris) family. It freely self-seeds so deadhead to reduce seed production. is an evergreen perennial with a creeping rhizome and sword shaped leaves. 10 seeds 2.93 $ Although tolerant of tough conditions, Dietes will perform best in well-drained soil, rich in organic material. Leaves color green and narrow like sward shape leaves grow in groups linked together. How to Prune a Fortnight Lily. Fruits are formed after the blooming period ends around October and Dietes Bicolor produces a lump shaped fruit, which almost looks like a capsule and it’s around an inch long and once the fruits have dried, it’s seeds are used in the propagation. There are multiple options when it comes to propagation of Dietes Bicolor but most common and recommended method is to propagate it by seeds as it readily available after blooming period in autumn. Ideally, plants which belongs to the same genus such as other Dietes varieties like Dietes Grandiflora or Fortnight Lily are good companion plant and similarly other plants which belongs to the same family of Iridaceae are good choice. Dietes butcheriana can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes of large clumps in late autumn or early spring, and replanting immediately. Iris bicolor, Moraea bicolor. The plant is more widely available at local garden centers in these areas. Each seed can remain viable in the soil for an extended period of time and can readily germinate under most conditions. Genus. Care: Grow in full sun or part shade. Dietes Bicolor has a great presence in any landscape because of its thin bright green leaves which rises to approximately 3 feet in height and its spread which takes up a form of a “clump” is usually about 5 feet in length. Okay now let’s look at the process of selecting companion plants for Dietes Bicolor, the process is fairly simple but the gardener must keep two things in mind. Dietes Bicolor is a fast growing plant and it spread tends to form a cluster, so in order to maintain an order and prevent Dietes Bicolor from overtaking the garden space. If the Dietes Bicolor plant becomes too clumped up or oversized, it would be best to divide it up in the late winter before spring growth begins. This Iris is fast growing which makes it ideal for use in areas that need to be established rapidly. So it can survive in the most of the conditions. Dietes Bicolor is a rhizomatous perennial plant. Family. The flowers rise above the foliage and look like small Japenese irises. Fine Divine™ Dietes bicolor ‘Di2’ Fine Divine™ is a compact form with finer leaves; Rarely produces seed; Distinctive yellow flowers; Description: Dietes bicolor are one of the toughest landscape plants available in Australia. Download Assessment Dietes grandiflora (large wild iris) is a rhizomatous perennial from southern Africa with long, rigid, sword-like green leaves belonging to the Iridaceae family (ht to 1m). Fortnight Lily, African Iris. Dietes is a genus of rhizomatous plants of the family Iridaceae, first described as a genus in 1866.Common names include wood iris, fortnight lily, African iris, Japanese iris and butterfly iris, each of which may be used differently in different regions for one or more of the six species within the genus.. It’s very unlikely that Dietes Bicolor or other varieties of Dietes can cause any serious harm to you pets or children, if consumed but it’s always best to take necessarily precautions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The hardy fortnight lily (Dietes iridioide) is a perennial flower that originates from Africa. Growing is also possible in a pot, planter, flowerpot or containers: Yes, when growing in containers need to choose container that 50-100% bigger than the roots ball, minimum 10L (2.6 gallon) better bigger at least 20L (5.2 gallons) need pot will be wide and shallow the roots not too much deep, after few years drainage of the soil not function the same so need to change it to new soil, when keep the plants in small pot need to reduce the amount of plants that grow in the pot and also cut some of the roots when switch soil. Do not remove the flower stock as successive blooms are produced on the same stock. South African Iris, Dietes bicolor, 10 seeds, yellow blooms, graceful foliage, drought tolerant, zones 8 to 11, lovely in mass plantings $ 2.29 Creeping Thyme bulk pack ground cover, 4000 seeds, fragrant herb, pink blooms, zones 4 to 9, sun or light shade, deerproof, Thymus serpyllum Contrary to popular belief or should I say myth, some people tend to think that Dietes Bicolor are toxic or poisonous to small children or domestic pets. Category: Drought Tolerant, Perennial Mature Height: 2-3' Mature Width: 2-3' Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade Water Requirements: Moderate to consistent Hardiness Zones: 10, 11, 9 This South African native, and iris relative, produces beautiful yellow flowers with maroon patches at the base of the petals. Dietes bicolor, also named Fortnight Lily, Yellow Wild Iris and the African iris, is found naturally in the Bathurst region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It usually prefers a well fertilized and moist condition with a light to moderate exposure of sun but Dietes Bicolor is considered a fairly drought resistant plant. Dietes grandiflora - wild iris APPEARANCE: Clumping grassy plant with tall straight flowering stems.Flowers are white, open, iris-like hence the name; large and white. Dietes grandiflora N.E.Br. Fertilise occasionally and water during dry spells. lovelyhomegardens.com is one of the largest sources of information about all your gardening needs. I have rose bushes with five or six Dietes growing through it! There is a very similar species known as Dietes iridoides and I am not really sure how to tell them apart.. Dietes Bicolor is from a iridaceous family and it’s Native from South Africa but due it’s rising popularity it’s becoming a go to perennial for gardeners in USDA hardiness level of 8 and above, especially in regions such as Alabama, Arizona and California. The adult plant is … Dietes Bicolor is an evergreen grassy rhizomatous perennials plant, which takes up a clump form due to its long and slender green leaves with a strong center fold. Once established, water two times per week. HOW IT SPREADS. Plant / Seeds / Vegetative Reproduction, Is it necessary to use vegetative reproduction? Dietes Bicolor Produces Creamy to slightly Off-white color flowers, which are shaped like an inverted fan or an ace of spade card and they tend to grow up to 5 inches in length and at the center of the petal is a dark coffee colored blotch which attracts all kinds pollinators specially butterflies and bees. Foliage grows to 60cm around. Moraea grandiflora is a choice plant for a sheltered spot in the Texas garden. Here’s a short answer for you ! Dietes grandiflora is both frost and drought hardy and will grow in either sun or shade. Dietes bicolor grow and care – herbaceous geophyte of the genus Dietes also known as Dietes bicolour, Fortnight lily or African iris, Dietes bicolor perennial evergreen used as ornamental plant for the flowers, it’s drought tolerant plant and attract pollinators also can be used for cut flowers, can grow in tropics, mediterranean, desert, subtropics, temperate climate and growing in hardiness zone 8b+ and with the right overwinter care in hardiness zone 8a. Dietes Bicolor – How to Grow and Care for this African Beauty – | Lovely Home Gardens, Best Companion plant to grow next to Dietes Bicolor, Tips to Grow and Care for Satin Flower (Clarkia Amoenea) – | Lovely Home Gardens, Astromelias – How to Grow and Care For This Exotic Flower, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Oregano Plant – | Lovely Home Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Manuka Flower – | Lovely Home Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Ruby Loropetalum (Chinese Fringe Flower). If you find this interesting but are still unsure what is this all about and what exactly is Dietes Bicolor and if it’s the right plant for you. The plant originates from rhizomes, under the soil.On an average, a matured plat grows 1m tall, spreading 1 m wide. Packet of 25+ freshly harvested seeds! No, it’s easy to start from seeds, Propagation by daughter plants: Dividing plants in the spring, water the soil before and try gently to take without the to cut the roots, Difficulties or problems when growing: Aggressive, Planting season: Spring in hardiness zone 8, spring to summer in hardiness zone 9-10a, spring to autumn in hardiness zone 10b-11, all year in hardiness zone 12+, Pests and diseases: Leaf miner, spider mites, Pruning season: All year, for reducing that amount of plant better to cut in the winter and better to pull the plant with the roots, How to prune: Pruning dead leaves and dead bloom stems, better not to cut leaves and bloom stems until dry because it has effect on the blooming, Size of the plant: 0.5-1 m, 20-40 inches (1.5-3 feet), Growth speed in optimal condition: Medium growing, Water requirement: Average amount of water / Small amount of water, possible to let it without water for a long period, but the plant prefer regular water especially in the blooming season but with good drainage, Light conditions in optimal condition for growing: Full Sun, can grow in less than full sun but then it will have less flowers, Is it possible to grow indoor as houseplant? Flower Seeds Yellow African Iris Fortnight Lily Dietes Bicolor Butterfly Flag Bicolor Spanish Peacock Iris Perennial Flower Plant Seeds Mixed Yellow with Maroon Spots 20 pcs BA1001 $16.50 Only 8 left in stock … USES: Companion planting, erosion control, weed suppression, low maintenance gardens, landscaping, borders and edging, waterway banks. The fact that they can regenerate from seed is the only reason their popularity has reduced. Of course you can also collect your own plant’s seeds to start even more beauties too! Part sun plants tolerate 3-6 hours of morning sun per day. The blooms are white marked with yellow and violet and appear in flushes in spring and summer. No. Occasionally you hear about infection of Nematodes on dietes bicolor and some times  it results in damaging the foliage and most often these diseases are transmitted from other infected plants. They grow extremely well in Australian conditions and have now become invasive in various regions throughout Western Australia. There should be some at least a distance of 25 to 30 inches between the plants. It is a rhizomatous evergreen perennials that generally resemble beardless iris. Dietes Bicolor is a very aggressive plant by its nature, so special care needs to be taken which companion plants to grow next to it. The fruits from Dietes Bicolor after they have dried up turns into a seed pod, which contains dozens of seeds. Dietes bicolor has fewer, larger, more tidy leaves and more rounded white flowers with a violet/brown spot. The species of this plant belong to the Iridaceae (Iris) family. That’s all I have to say about Dietes Bicolor, if you have found this interesting and want to give it a try. This is a popular, easy-to-grow garden plant which will grow under most conditions. General information about the flower Light yellow to cream-white, the flower has 6 petals in the outer circle, 3 of the petals with black dots and red speckled, 3 petals in the inner circle in the color yellow, Sowing requirement: Sunny location with good drainage, moist soil, 15-25C (59-77F), for not fresh seeds better to soak in water at least 12 hours, Saving seeds and care until sowing: Dry and dark place, better to keep in in the refrigerate before, Sowing season: Spring to summer in hardiness zone 8-11, possible all the year in hardiness zone 12+, Depth of Sowing: 0.5-1cm (0.25-0.5inches), Conditions for seeds germinate: Moist soil with light humidity, Watering requires for Seeds: First week big amount of water after reduce to average amount of water, keep soil moist but not over water and don’t let it dry, Condition of seedling: Full sun, regularly water, keep the soil moist, Alternative names: Dietes bicolour Fortnight lily, African iris, Planting Season: Autumn Planting, Spring Planting, Summer planting, Light exposure requirements: Full sun Plants, Climates that the plant can grow: Desert Climate, Mediterranean Climate, Subtropics Climate, Temperate Climate, Tropics Climate, Growing speed of the plant: Average growing plants, Fast growing plants, Plant life-form: Evergreen, Geophyte, Herbaceous, Perennial plant, Plant Uses: Drought tolerant plants, Floristry, Ornamental plants, Requirements for watering the plant: Big amount of water, Regularly water, Small amounts of water, Hardiness zones: Hardiness zone 10, Hardiness zone 11, Hardiness zone 12, Hardiness zone 13, Hardiness zone 8, Hardiness zone 9, Ornamental parts: Ornamental flower, Ornamental leaves, Ornamental plant, Blooming season: Spring flowers, Summer flowers, Flower colors: White flower, Yellow flower. Dietes bicolor Dietes bicolor This is a rhizomatous perennial belonging to the Iridaceae family of plants (ht 90 cm), a pale yellow cousin of the ubiquitous white-flowered species ( Dietes iridiodes and Dietes grandiflora , ht 90 cm) that are seen in many public plantings because of their toughness and will to survive in poor, dry soils. Synonyms. Plant database entry for African Iris (Dietes bicolor) with 32 images, 2 comments, and 21 data details. Allow clumps to grow for at least 5 or 6 years before dividing. Dietes Bicolor has a genus of Dietes, which is a derived from the Greek words of  “di” and “etes” which literally means twin associations and Dietes Bicolor was first classified as “Morea” and was later changed due to it has different root system which is categorized as “ rhizomatous”. As long as it has been given adequate water and it does not require much watering. Dietes cultivation is growing more popular because of the plant’s attractive, stiff, spiky foliage and multiple, showy blooms. This attractive, iris-like perennial forms dense clusters of narrow, strap-like leaves and attractive, pale yellow flowers with distinctive dark spots at their throat. 7th edition, Pretoria: Species. Dietes. CARE: Drought and frost hardy so little maintenance is needed after initial care. It can form large clumps if left undisturbed for years. One precautionary step, that can be taken in order stop diseases from spreading to other healthy plants is sterilizing of pruning shears with some water. They grow quickly enough to be enjoyed as an annual, can be brought indoors over the winter, or grown as a houseplant year round. This species belongs to the Iridaceae (Iris) family. Unlike D. iridioides which has fleeting flowers, each flower lasts several days. In fact, watering it just once or twice a week will be sufficient. 11. Flowers color: light yellow to cream-white, the flower has 6 petals in the outer circle, 3 of the petals with black dots and red speckled, 3 petals in the inner circle in the color yellow. The seed of the plant germinates readily when sown in spring or autumn in a good, moist seedling medium. This will ensure no diseases are transferred from one plant to another. Pruning of Dietes Bicolor is not essential as it is quite an easy to maintained plant but doing so, will enhance the beauty and appearance of the plant. It is a popular garden plant with white flowers with a yellow median mark in the lower half and violet style branches. The most common problems which are found in the Dietes Bicolor are Crown rot and root damage, due to waterlogging and this could result in damaging the overall health of the plant and in extreme cases it can cause death of the plant. This attractive clumping ground cover is a common feature of most parks and gardens all over Australia. There should be some at least a distance of 25 to 30 inches between the plants. Dietes bicolor . In the end, I would just like to say Dietes Bicolor is a welcomed addition to any landscape but if you are looking for an ornamental perennial plant which would add color and vibrancy to your garden. It produces fan-shaped clumps of iris-like, narrow, sword-shaped, basal, evergreen leaves. Updates and news about all categories will send to you. The African iris (Dietes iridioides) is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11, where it can be planted and grown year-round and is known for its striking characteristics. Sow seed in spring or summer in a good seedling medium and keep moist and warm. How to grow Dietes bicolor growing and care: Well drained soil, prefer rich soil with organic material, better to fertilize before the blooming season but not must, if there is organic material no need of fertilize, when the plant young (in case of seeds or late planting) better to … The cultivars known as 'Orange Drops' and 'Lemon Drops' are Dietes hybrids. This plant loves hot, sunny spots and holds up to drought like a champ. Dietes Bicolor is a fast growing plant and it spread tends to form a cluster, so in order to maintain an order and prevent Dietes Bicolor from overtaking the garden space. Neutral: On Sep 6, 2001, justmeLisa from Brewers, KY (Zone 6b) wrote: This plant has iris-like flowers that are on perennial clumps of narrow bright green leaves. Remove all the dead-heads or decaying blooms or seed pods by pruning just below the flowers. Wild Flowers Of Southern Africa. Ideal for low-maintenance landscapes, low-water plantings, and easy-care container gardens. The flowers are even larger than those of the better-known Dietes. The name dietes refers to the close association the plant has with two of its relatives. Dietes bicolor (variously known as African iris or fortnight lily) is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial plant with long sword-like pale-green leaves, growing from multiple fans at the base of the clump. Approx 20 seeds/packet References. Dietes produce numerous seed pods which contain an abundance of seeds. Propagate by seed or by division of established clumps. Date Screened. However, when the flower stock begins to decline, prune it back to the crown.