African Iris (Dietes bicolor)

Every spring we get to enjoy these tropical like iris that are scattered about our pool area. I took these pictures on 06/01/2011. As each clump of these plants seems to contain dozens upon dozens of buds, they appear to stay in bloom for nearly two months. They are so beautiful and delicate that I couldn’t resist capturing some close-ups to add to this gallery for permanent viewing. I want to thank Kate Kennedy Butler from Glover, Vermont for helping me to identify this wonderful flower.

DESCRIPTION: The Dietes (Genus) bicolor (Species) (variably known as African iris or Fortnight lily) is a clump-forming perennial plant with long sword-like pale-green leaves, growing from multiple fans at the base of the clump. As the name suggests, the African or Cape iris are native to Africa and consists of only 6 species – the Dietes bicolor being one of the most common. Other common names for this species include Yellow Wild Iris, Peacock Flower and Butterfly Iris. This species belongs to the Iridacea (Iris) family. It can reach a height of 18-36 inches and has beautifully delicate, yellowish, cream-white flowers that generally last 1-3 days each. The bottom three outer petals (technically the sepals) have three dark purple blotches surrounded by bright orange outline markings at their base. It blooms from mid-spring to early summer and is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.