Dietes grandiflora

Dietes grandiflora, commonly named fortnight lily, large wild iris, African iris^[1] or fairy iris, is a rhizomatous perennial plant of the Iris Family (Iridaceae) with long, rigid, sword-like green leaves. This species is common in horticulture in its native South Africa, where it is often used in public gardens, beautification of commercial premises and along roadsides.^[2]

Dietes grandiflora
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Iridaceae
Genus:	Dietes
Species:	D. grandiflora
Binomial name
Dietes grandiflora N.E.Br.

The blooms are white marked with yellow and violet, and are up to four inches (ten cm) in diameter.^[3] Dark markings are found at the base of the outer tepals. These are borne in abundance during summer, especially after rain.^[2] These flowers will last a couple of days and are then followed by 5 cm long green capsules that contain very dark brown seeds, dispersed when the capsule splits open.

Cultivation

Plants prefer dappled shade to full sun where they will flower in profusion, though they will grow in shaded areas (with an accompanying loss of flower production). Under favourable conditions, the clumps multiply rapidly. Dietes grandiflora are drought and frost hardy, making them popular for en masse plantings.^[4] They are frequently called "Fortnight Lilies" because they typically bloom for two weeks, followed by two weeks of rest.

Environmental weed

Dietes grandiflora is considered an "environmental weed" in parts of Australia, particularly Western Australia, Queensland, and Lord Howe Island.^[5]