Dietes

Dietes Bicolor – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing colourful perennials in your garden such as Dietes bicolor delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have both the largest variety of Dietes and African Iris plants, and we have the right one for your space! These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Dietes, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Dietes Questions

1. What is another name for Dietes?

Dietes is a genus of plants in the family Iridaceae, and it has a number of common names, including:

• African iris
• Butterfly iris
• Cape iris
• Dietes
• Fortnight lily
• Rock iris
• Wild iris

The name "fortnight lily" comes from the fact that the flowers of Dietes typically last for about two weeks. The name "African iris" is a reference to the fact that the genus is native to Africa.

2. Is Dietes grandiflora a NZ native?

Dietes grandiflora is not a New Zealand native. It is native to South Africa. However, it is a popular garden plant in New Zealand, and it can be found in many gardens and landscapes.

3. What is the difference between Dietes iridioides and Dietes grandiflora?

Dietes iridioides and Dietes grandiflora are both perennial plants in the family Iridaceae. They are both native to South Africa and are popular garden plants. However, there are a few key differences between the two species.

Dietes iridioides

• Smaller flowers (3-4 cm in diameter)
• Flowers last for one day
• Yellow nectar guides on the outer tepals only
• Pale violet style arms
• Less vigorous grower

Dietes grandiflora

• Larger flowers (5-6 cm in diameter)
• Flowers last for three days
• Yellow nectar guides on both the inner and outer tepals
• Dark violet style arms
• More vigorous grower

4. What is the common name for Dietes grandiflora NZ?

The most common name for Dietes grandiflora in New Zealand is large wild iris. It is also sometimes called fortnight lily or African iris.

5. How do you maintain Dietes?

Here are a few maintenance tips for Dietes:

• Water Dietes regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, Dietes is fairly drought tolerant, but it will produce more flowers if it is watered regularly.
• Feed Dietes once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. This will help to promote healthy growth and flowering. The best product is: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser
• Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage new growth.
• Dietes can be divided every 3-5 years to prevent them from becoming overcrowded. To divide them, simply lift the plant out of the ground and use a sharp knife to divide the plant two or more pieces. Replant the divisions immediately.

In addition to the above tips, you can also maintain plants by mulching around them to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Will Dietes grandiflora grow in shade?

Dietes grandiflora will grow in shade, but it will produce more flowers in full sun or partial shade.

7. Can you cut back Dietes?

You can cut back Dietes under certain circumstances and here are a few tips:

• If your Dietes has become overgrown or messy, a light trim can improve its shape and overall look.
• You can remove dead or diseased leaves and flower stalks to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of problems.
• Cutting back older clumps can rejuvenate them and promote bushier growth.
• Late winter or early spring before new growth emerges is the ideal time for cutting the plants back. This gives the plant time to recover and put its energy into flowering.
• Avoid heavy pruning during summer or autumn, as this can remove flower buds and limit flowering potential.
• Aim for a light pruning, removing no more than a third of the plant's height. This helps maintain the plant's natural shape and encourages bushier growth.
• Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged leaves and flower stalks. You can also trim back overgrown or leggy branches to clean up the appearance.
• Consider the size and shape of your Dietes when pruning. You may need to adjust the amount of pruning depending on your desired outcome.

If you're unsure about how much to prune, it's always better to err on the side of caution and prune less. You can always prune more later if needed.

8. Can you divide dietes?

Dividing Dietes is a great way to propagate new plants, control their size, and rejuvenate mature clumps. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Spring or autumn is the ideal time for dividing Dietes. The weather is mild, and the plants are actively growing but haven't yet started dormancy.
• Avoid dividing during summer as plants may not re-establish well.

How to divide:

1. Dig up the clump: Carefully dig up the entire Dietes clump with a fork or spade, ensuring you capture all the roots.
2. Shake off excess soil: Gently shake off the excess soil to expose the root system.
3. Separate the clumps: Using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have a good portion of roots and at least one fan of leaves.
4. Replant the divisions: Dig holes in suitable locations with well-drained soil. Plant the divisions at the same depth they were in the original clump. Water them thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
5. Aftercare: Keep the newly planted Dietes well-watered until they are established. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.