Moraea Iris – Desert Horizon Nursery

Moraea Iris

Dietes iridioides
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate water in Phoenix; water deeply when the upper 2–3 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat without keeping soil soggy.
Size
2-4 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
Dietes iridioides, commonly called African iris or fortnight lily, is a clumping perennial with narrow, sword-shaped leaves and delicate, white iris-like flowers.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall; individual flowers short-lived but produced repeatedly
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
2-4 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
White with yellow and brown markings
Foliage Color
Medium green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio
Garden Style
Container / Patio
Soil
Amended / Rich, Moist Soil, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Agapanthus, Liriope, Society garlic
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat and exposed western locations.

Water: Moderate water in Phoenix; water deeply when the upper 2–3 inches of soil dry. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat without keeping soil soggy.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost; tolerates sandy or loamy soils. Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping mulch away from the crown.

Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; flower stalks may reach 4 feet.

Bloom: Blooms in flushes from spring through fall, especially with adequate moisture; flowering may slow during extreme heat.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in mild winters; frost may damage foliage.

Growth rate: Moderate.