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African Iris Wikimedia Commons
Iridaceae

African Iris

Dietes iridioides

Hope and endurance.

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Dietes
Native to
Southern Africa, East Africa
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
perennial herb
Height
2-4 ft
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
well-drained, adaptable
Water
moderate
Hardiness
8-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant produces blooms continuously for months at a time.
  • The genus name Dietes means 'having two relatives,' referring to its relationship to both Iris and Moraea.
  • It is extremely drought-tolerant once established and is used extensively in California landscaping.
  • In traditional Zulu medicine, the rhizomes were used to treat various ailments including fevers.
  • The plant can form dense clumps over decades, with some garden specimens known to be over 50 years old.

Color meanings

0

hope

1

wisdom

2

valor

Uses

  • landscaping
  • erosion control
  • mass planting borders