About Dietes ‘Lemon Drops’ (African Iris)
This evergreen upright plant is called Dietes ‘Lemon Drops’ or commonly as Fortnight Lily and African Iris. It features dark green grass-like leaves that reach an average landscape size of 2.5′ tall by 2′ wide growing slowly in clumps. From spring to fall 2″ wide three petaled cream flowers adorned with dark brown tepal blotches emerge atop long branches. Flowers emerge in intervals of two weeks while each bloom lasts just one day. They are typically spotted along the margins of ponds in their native South African habitat and are a hybrid of the Dietes iridioides and the Dietes bicolor. While closely resembling Dietes Bicolor in both habit and size, the Dietes ‘Lemon Drops’ differs only in its coloring.
Care and Planting Instructions
Plant African Iris in an area that receives full sun to part shade using well draining soil. Water infrequently but be sure to maintain soil moisture and periodically remove spent blooms to keep its appearance fresh. This plant flowers best in an area that receives light shade.
Landscape Design Ideas
African Iris works well in low maintenance landscape designs. Plant in multiples on a hillside to cover a larger area or in street medians to add interest.
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