Fortnight lily Dietes bicolor
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the African iris or Fortnight lily typically presents a clump-forming habit with stiff, sword-like leaves that are green and slightly arching. The leaves emerge in a fan-like pattern, giving the plant its distinctive architectural form. The blooms, which appear on tall, slender stalks, stand out against the foliage. The flowers are notably beautiful, boasting three large, pale yellow petals alternating with three smaller, brownish-purple spotted ones. These petals are often marked with nectar guides that are appealing to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. At the center of the flower is a contrasting deep orange marking, adding to the visual interest of the bloom. The flowers of the African iris are fleeting, typically lasting only a day, but they are produced sporadically throughout the warm season. The plant's overall appearance is one of structural elegance and colorful, exotic charm, making it a favorite in gardens for creating a tropical or subtropical aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
African Iris, Fortnight Lily, Yellow Wild Iris, Peacock Flower, Spanish Iris
Common names
Dietes bicolor, Moraea bicolor, Moraea iridioides
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as African iris (Dietes bicolor) is not widely recognized as toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming this plant, and it is generally considered non-toxic. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, and it is advisable not to ingest parts of this plant as a precaution.
To pets
The plant known as African iris (Dietes bicolor) is also not widely regarded as toxic to pets. It is usually considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other household pets; there are no significant reports of poisoning from ingestion of this plant. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food items can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is recommended to discourage animals from chewing on or eating it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Dietes bicolor is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerant: The plant is very tolerant of dry conditions once established, requiring infrequent watering and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Attractive Flowers: The plant produces beautiful yellow flowers with maroon/brown spots, adding aesthetic appeal to garden spaces.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used for a variety of purposes in landscaping, including as a border plant, in mass plantings, and as an accent plant.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil, preventing erosion on slopes and in areas with loose earth.
- Long Blooming Period: Dietes bicolor blooms over a long period, often from spring through fall, providing ongoing visual interest.
- Resistant to Pests: Typically, it is resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Adaptable to Various Soils: It can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Evergreen Foliage: It has evergreen foliage that provides year-round greenery and structure in gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Enhancement: The Fortnight Lily's bright yellow flowers with contrasting maroon spots are often used as a natural backdrop or inclusion in garden photography to enhance visual appeal.
- Themes in Art: Artists sometimes use the distinctive appearance of the Fortnight Lily in paintings, prints and textile designs to convey themes of natural beauty and resilience.
- Educational Resource: The life cycle of the Fortnight Lily can be a subject of study in educational programs related to botany and environmental sciences.
- Culinary Decoration: Though not commonly eaten, the flowers of the Fortnight Lily can be used as an edible decoration on salads and desserts for a splash of color.
- Erosion Control: This plant’s root system helps to stabilize soil in sloped gardens, thus preventing erosion.
- Water Gardens: Being tolerant of wet conditions, Fortnight Lily can be used around ponds or in water garden settings for aesthetic purposes.
- Wedding Decor: Fortnight Lily flowers are sometimes included in wedding bouquets or as part of table arrangements for their delicate appearance and symbolism of hope and renewal.
- Dye Production: Although not its primary use, the flowers and leaves could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics.
- Wildlife Garden: The Fortnight Lily can be planted to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus enhancing the biodiversity of a garden space.
- Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Gardens: Due to its calming presence, the Fortnight Lily is utilized in gardens designed for meditation, mindfulness practices, or stress relief.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe African iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe African iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Dietes bicolor, commonly known as the African iris, has the ability to withstand tough conditions and bounce back, symbolizing strength and the ability to overcome adversity.
- Hope and New Beginnings: With its bright, cheerful flowers and ability to rebloom, the African iris is often associated with hope and the start of something new.
- Adaptability: As a plant that can adapt to a variety of environments, the African iris represents flexibility and the capacity to thrive in different circumstances.
WaterAfrican Iris or Dietes bicolor should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic the natural environment where it thrives. Typically, providing about 1 gallon of water every week during the growing season is sufficient. Reduce the amount to 1 gallon every two weeks when the plant is dormant during the cooler months. It's vital to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings to prevent root rot. The method of watering should involve pouring water directly on the ground near the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage.
LightAfrican Iris requires full sun to partial shade to grow well. The best spot for it is one where it can enjoy at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in regions with very intense sun, some afternoon shade will help prevent scorching of the leaves. This plant can also tolerate light dappled shade but might produce fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade locations as it can lead to poor growth and flowering.
TemperatureAfrican Iris thrives in a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal range is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but it's at risk of being damaged by frost. It can handle high temperatures well but should be provided with adequate water during extreme heat to prevent stress.
PruningPrune African Iris to remove spent flowers and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading encourages more blooms and should be done regularly during the flowering season. Cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is after the last frost when the plant begins to show new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAfrican iris prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6 to 7. The best mix for this plant would incorporate sand or fine gravel into garden soil or potting mix to enhance drainage. Organic matter, such as compost, should also be added to provide nutrients.
RepottingAfrican iris should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Care should be taken not to damage the rhizomes when repotting these plants.
Humidity & MistingAfrican iris is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does well in average household humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place African iris in bright, indirect light indoors and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant African iris in partial shade to full sun in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDietes bicolor, commonly known as the African iris or Fortnight lily, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, preferably in warm, well-draining soil with partial to full sunlight exposure. The seedlings develop into clumps of narrow, sword-like leaves, establishing themselves through a strong root system. The plant then enters a vegetative state where it produces green foliage and gradually matures over several years. As it matures, the African iris produces distinctive yellow flowers with brown spots, generally blooming after rain in spring and summer. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into capsule-like seed pods that eventually dry and split open, releasing seeds for the next generation. The plant can also spread vegetatively through rhizomes, which allows for cloning and perpetuation of the parent plant's characteristics.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The African iris, or Dietes bicolor, is often propagated by division, a popular method that can be performed after the flowering season in late summer or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the plant and gently pull or cut the rhizomes apart, ensuring that each new section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted in the garden or into pots, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 cm) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This straightforward method ensures a high success rate and allows gardeners to quickly expand their collection of African irises.
