Photo of Dietes bicolor flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Dietes bicolor

Also Known As

  • African Iris
  • Bicolor Iris
  • Peacock Flower
  • Yellow Butterfly Iris

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-4'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

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Dietes bicolor plant details

Dietes bicolor is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dietes bicolor

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dietes bicolor

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The beautiful primrose yellow petals are touched with orange and black at the base on the 2-3" flowers and are held on tall branching sturdy stems on and off throughout the warmer months. This durable clump forming evergreen perennial produces a grass-like effect with its upright to arching narrow medium green foliage making it an excellent accent plant even when not in flower. The Yellow Butterfly Iris is tolerant of most soils though it will perform best in moist to wet soils and can tolerate periodic flooding. Moderately drought tolerant once well established. Root hardy to zone 8B but may be slow to fully recover after extended temperatures in the 20's.

Gardening facts about Dietes bicolor plant

How to Grow Dietes bicolor

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Dietes for your garden

aka African Iris, Cape Iris, Fortnight Lily, Moraea Iris, Wild Iris

Plant Type

Perennial, Aquatic

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 24'

  • sun - shade
  • standing water - low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Dietes iridioides flower by Oeropium
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aka Dietes vegeta, Fort Night Lily

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 5"-12"

Width: 2'

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Moraea vegeta flower by Andrew massyn
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aka African Iris, David's Dwarf Butterfly Iris, Fortnight Iris, Fortnight Lily

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 5"-8"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Dietes iridoides 'David's Dwarf' flower by Almost Eden
View Plant

More Options

+4 more Dietes
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