Dietes iridioides, White African Iris, Fortnight lily

Description

This Iris Offers Up a Seemingly Endless Supply of Blooms

Also known as Dietes vegeta and Moraea iridioides. A native of Africa, the Dietes Iridioides is an easy-to-grow perennial that blooms with waxy white flowers. Each of these has three outer and three inner segments, adorned with orange and purple accents. These vibrant blooms sit atop sword-shaped, stiff evergreen leaves. Flowering seems to occur at two week intervals, which accounts for its common name: Fortnight Lily (though the plant is not a Lily).

The African Iris likes full morning sun, afternoon shade and regular watering. Once established, this Iris is fairly drought tolerant. Savvy gardeners often plant in large groupings along walkways or against a wall for attention-getting focal point of color and texture.