About Dietes bicolor
Dietes bicolor is an evergreen perennial featuring grass-like foliage topped with interesting blooms. Reaching just above the foliage, its light yellow flowers are finished with a maroon spot at the base of three of the petals. Its botanical name is Dietes bicolor or Moraea Bicolor while its common name is Fortnight Lily due to the occurrence of a bloom cycle happening in two week intervals. Native to South Africa, it is a moderate grower with an average landscape size of 3-4′ by 3-4′. This variety is a landscape favorite known for its durability and repeated flowering. Each bloom lasts only to two days but with a long and repeated blooming season from Spring to Fall, you can expect a consistent show of beautiful blooms.
Care Instructions
Water regularly once planted to establish the root system. Once established, you can water more infrequently except in areas of extreme heat. In early Spring fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer to encourage a prolific blooming season. Spent blooms can be deadheaded to keep its appearance fresh.
Where to Plant
Position Dietes bicolor in full sun and plant it in moist, well-drained soil. While blooming occurs throughout most of the year, you can expect its prime blooming season to occur from Spring through Fall. Known to be fire-wise and deer-resistant, this variety works great planted on a hillside landscape or in areas where wildfires are known to occur.
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