Scientific Name
Dietes spp.
Common Name
African Iris, Butterfly Iris, Fortnight Lily
DIETES
spp. (White or yellow flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Dietes spp. starts flowering in mid-spring (April) for several weeks. Plants are about 24-48 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Australia, Tropical and Southern Africa
2. Common names: African Iris, Butterfly Iris, Fortnight Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Fibrous or woody rhizomes
4. Hardiness type: Tender III - Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by rhizomes growth and seeds and requires a warm (68 to 75F) - cool (40 to 55F) - warm (68 to 75F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, borders, containers, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: Number 1
2. Planting density: 12 inches apart, 1 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: Cover crown with 1 inch of soil.
4. Planting time: Fall or spring
5. Climatic zone habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 8 with mulch, Zones 9 to 10 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight only.
7. Moisture: Tolerates some drought, but requires moisture when in flower
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported
D. Companion Plants:
Achillea, Carex, Crocosmia, Echinacea, Lavendula, Stachys, Sedum, Spiraea spp., Pittosporum.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 31 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.