Dietes (Wild Iris)

The Dietes is a striking, clump-forming perennial that adds structure, elegance, and resilience to your garden. With long, sword-like evergreen leaves and eye-catching white flowers adorned with yellow and violet markings, it brings both texture and colour to gardens. Indigenous to South Africa, it’s a water-wise favourite for both formal and wild gardens alike.

Botanical Name: Dietes grandiflora (commonly known as Wild Iris, Fairy Iris, or African Iris)

Positioning:
Loves full sun to light shade. Perfect for borders, along pathways, water-wise gardens, or naturalised mass plantings.

Watering:
Low to moderate. Once established, Dietes is very drought-tolerant, but appreciates occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Growing Tips:-
– Plant in well-drained soil with compost or organic matter.
– Divide large clumps every few years to keep plants looking their best.
– Remove spent flower stems to tidy up the plant, though it self-cleans naturally.
– Tough and wind-resistant – ideal for coastal or exposed gardens.

Did You Know?
Dietes flowers only last a day, but the plant blooms continuously for months, especially after rain. It’s a favourite among landscapers for its durability and low maintenance needs.