Plant Database
African Iris
Dietes(Moraea) iridioides, Fortnight Lily, Wild Iris, Dietes vegeta.
African Iris, also known as Fortnight Lily (Dietes iridioides), is a dependable, design-friendly perennial that delivers year-round structure with recurring bursts of elegant white flowers. Native to South Africa and exceptionally well-adapted to California climates, this plant is a favorite for both residential gardens and large-scale landscapes.
Its upright, sword-shaped evergreen foliage creates a clean, architectural look, while its iris-like blooms appear repeatedly throughout the warmer months—often every couple of weeks under ideal conditions. Once established, African Iris requires very little water, making it a smart choice for drought-tolerant and low-maintenance gardens.
Why gardeners and designers choose African Iris:
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Reliable repeat flowering from spring through fall
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Evergreen foliage for year-round visual structure
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Excellent drought tolerance once established
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Performs well in full sun or partial shade
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Ideal for borders, mass plantings, slopes, and modern landscapes
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Widely used in Bay Area residential and commercial projects
Whether planted in rows for a clean contemporary look or grouped for a softer natural effect, African Iris offers long-term beauty with minimal effort.