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Fortnight Lily, Evergreen Iris, Bicolor Iris
Dietes bicolor
An attractive plant, but needs some care to be really happy in our area. A clump forming perennial that has long, medium to bright green, strap-like leaves with a pronounced midrib. Clumps are usually fan shaped. Has a grass-like appearance when not in bloom. Flower spikes mix in with the foliage, holding pale yellow iris-like flowers with maroon markings. Does best with partial or dappled shade in our area. Prefers well-drained amended soils, regular water, and organic surface mulch. Does not like salty soils. Fertilize in spring and fall for best appearance. Cut flower stalks to the ground after they have finished blooming. Pull out or cut off dead leaves at the base of the plant. If it has not been cleaned out in several years and is overrun with dead foliage it is acceptable to cut all the foliage off close to the ground in autumn or winter to renew the plant, but this is not optimal. The leaf tips are susceptible to damaged below 32 F. Damaged tips can be trimmed off if desired. Clumps can be divided every few years in autumn or winter. Good in oasis zones, by ponds or pools, in containers or larger border areas, possibly as an accent in rock gardens.
- Plant type: Perennial
- Maintenance level: Medium
- Water requirement: Medium
- Sun exposure: Part Sun, Shade, Morning Sun
- Height range: 1–3 Feet
- Width range: 1–3 Feet
- Growth rate: Medium
- Seasonal habit: Evergreen
- Flower color: Brown, Yellow, Red
- Flower season: Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Fruit color: Black, Green, Brown
- General foliage color: Green
- Design style: Pool Friendly, Patio Plant
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 10 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Loam, Rocky, Well Drained, Moist, Rich
- Canopy value: 3 ft²
- Native location: South Africa
- PH preference: Neutral, Not Particular
- Sunset zones: 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
- USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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