Dietes IRIDIOIDES

Dietes IRIDIOIDES - African Iris, Fortnight Lily, Cape Iris, Wood Iris, Dietes Iridioides.

Dietes is a genus of evergreen rhizomatous perennials in the iris family (Iridaceae), comprising just 6 species natively distributed across Southern and Central Africa, as well as on Australia's Lord Howe Island. Several species have successfully naturalized in other parts of the world.

They grow in shady, misty coastal forests on the forest floor, on steep shaded slopes, and along forest margins.

The plants have basal, erect, linear, sword-shaped, leathery leaves. Branched stems bear sequentially produced, flat, individual, short-lived, iris-like flowers. The flowers bloom on stems up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height.

Not all species bloom profusely and showily, but they feature attractive foliage. Some species grow successfully even in deep shade.

Dietes iridioides is not a true iris, but in the shape of its flowers and evergreen leaves it truly resembles its well-known relative. It blooms profusely when grown indoors: open flowers last for two weeks, followed by a new flush of bloom. It is relatively undemanding regarding growing conditions and is rarely troubled by pests.

The seeds of many species and cultivars require freezing for germination, which is why they are sown before winter into the ground or in boxes under snow. Seedlings emerge the following spring. Grown seedlings are planted out into prepared beds, and with good care they flower the following year. The first flowering is usually modest, so selection among flowering seedlings is best done in their second flowering year. Seeds can be stored in the refrigerator until planting time.

Sowing in spring or summer is also possible. In this case, the plantings must be kept in a warm location, ensuring that the soil remains constantly moist. Due to the very hard seed coat, germination can take up to 4 years.

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Dietes grows well in both full sun and shade. Outdoor garden cultivation is possible only in regions with a warm climate, although the plant has some frost resistance. It performs well in deep shade under garden trees, as well as in partially shaded conditions.

Permeable soil provides the plant with fast and healthy growth. Fertile, loamy, well-drained soil is preferred. Regular, timely, and adequate watering is essential. The plant can withstand short periods of summer drought, provided it grows in the shade.

It is usually propagated by division of the clump. This is done in late autumn or early spring. Divisions must be planted immediately. Clumps are divided when they are at least 5-6 years old.

Flowering occurs in spring and summer, or in autumn and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite the extended flowering season, catching the moment when flowers are fully open can be tricky, as they open late in the day and fade away by early evening. The lifespan of an individual bloom is only a few hours.