African Iris (Dietes grandiflora)

The African Iris is a hardy and low-maintenance perennial well-suited to South East Queensland’s climate. It thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a reliable choice for garden beds, borders, and feature plantings. Its long, sword-like leaves create an architectural element, while its delicate white, mauve, and yellow flowers bloom in cycles throughout the year, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators. This plant is particularly useful for erosion control in sloped areas, as its dense root system helps stabilise soil. Highly adaptable, it tolerates periods of drought and intermittent wet conditions, making it ideal for both water-wise gardens and tropical-inspired landscapes. With minimal care required, it is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly gardens.

Watering preferences:

• Requires minimal watering once established.
• A generous watering for the first few days after planting may assist with establishment.

Mulching preferences:

• Applying mulch around the base may help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilising preferences:

• Fertilisation is generally not required.
• A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring may encourage flowering.

Pruning preferences:

• Pruning is optional—can tolerate heavy pruning or none at all, depending on preference.

Good to Know:

• Extremely hardy and well-suited to South East Queensland conditions, tolerating coastal exposure, humidity, and dry periods.