African iris
Dietes iridioides
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White with yellow and blue markings
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
African iris (Dietes iridioides) is a perennial for borders, containers, and ground cover. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. The white flowers have yellow and blue markings. It stays evergreen, and it tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with Fountain grass, African marigold, and Cyclamen.
Native range
Southern and eastern Africa.