African Iris – Dietes bicolor

General Landscape Uses: border; mass planting; container or above-ground planter; edging; naturalizing; water garden; accent

Ecological Restoration Notes: soil stabilization and erosion control, water filtration and wetland restoration, supporting pollinators and biodiversity, drought and climate resilience, non-invasive growth and low maintenance

Description: herbaceous; ornamental grass

Dimensions: Height 2 – 4 ft.; Spread 2 – 3 ft.

Growth Rate: slow

Native Range: South Africa

Native Habitats: grasslands and savannas, forest margins and woodlands, wetlands and riparian zones, coastal and rocky areas

Soils: extended flooding; slightly alkaline; clay; sand; acidic; loam

Nutritional Requirements: Low to moderate

Salt Water Tolerance: Low

Salt Wind Tolerance: Moderate

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Sun

Flower Color: Pale Yellow

Flower Characteristics: Live only 2 days

Flowering Season: flowers periodically throughout the year

Fruit: Green, elongated, .5 to 1 in., dry or hard

Wildlife and Ecology: contributes to soil stability, pollinator support, and ecosystem resilience

Horticultural Notes: Propagation is by seed or division of the matted clumps. Whole plants are lifted, and the rhizomes divided every three years or when new plants are needed.