Tribe Irideae | Subfamily Iridoideae Genus Dietes Rank Species | |
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Similar Dietes, Dietes bicolor, Dietes iridioides, Doryanthes palmeri, Helmholtzia glaberrima | ||
Dietes grandiflora (large wild iris, fairy iris) is a rhizomatous perennial plant with long, rigid, sword-like green leaves belonging to the Iridaceae family. This species is common in horticulture in its native South Africa, where it is often used in public gardens, beautification of commercial premises and along roadsides.
Contents
The blooms are white marked with yellow and violet. Dark markings are found at the base of the outer tepals. These are borne in abundance during summer, especially after rain. Flowers are followed by 5 cm long green capsules that contain very dark brown seeds, these are dispersed when the capsule splits open.
Cultivation
Plants prefer dappled shade to full sun where they will flower in profusion, though they will grow in shaded areas (with an accompanying loss of flower production). Under favourable conditions, the clumps multiply rapidly. Dietes grandiflora are drought and frost hardy, making them popular for en masse plantings.
Environmental weed
D. grandiflora is an environmental weed in parts of Australia, particularly Western Australia, Queensland, and Lord Howe Island.
