•Scientific name: Dietes iridioides.
•Growth habit: A clump forming evergreen perennial with leaves arising from rhizomes near the ground growing plants to 2 feet tall and wide. The leaves are swordlike in shape, medium to dark green growing to 2 feet tall and an inch wide.
•Light: Plant in full sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade.
•Water needs: Drought tolerant. Can exist with moisture from seasonal rains; grows and flowers best with weekly watering during the hot dry times.
•Feedings: Apply a general landscape fertilizer in March, June and August if needed for growth. Slow-release fertilizers can be substituted, following label instructions.
•Propagation: Start new plantings by dividing older clumps or from seeds.
•Ease of culture: Easy.
•Hardiness: Hardy; some leaf damage is noted after a severe freeze.
•Major problems: Grasshoppers and similar chewing insects are occasional problems but seldom need control. Plant in a well-drained soil to avoid rot problems.
•Pruning: Remove declining foliage and old seed heads as needed throughout the year. Trim away cold-damaged foliage and reduce the clump size if needed during late winter.
•Uses: A workhorse of the landscape surviving in most well-drained soils and tolerating periods of drought. This is a northern iris relative that has similar blooms with white petals and yellow, brown and blue markings. Major displays open March through May and plantings produce occasion flowers throughout the year. Cluster in perennial beds and as foundation plantings, ground covers and borders for walkways. Plants can also be grown in containers.
• Florida native: No; native to South Africa.
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