How to Grow a Fortnight Lily in a Container

Fortnight lilies are evergreen perennials often grown in borders or along foundations because of their vertical 2-foot-tall fans of thin, sword-like leaves. Lovely, iris-type flowers last only a day, but they keep coming over a long blooming period, from late spring through summer. Between bloom bursts, plants take a two-week, or fortnight's, rest before blooming again. According to Floridata, there are six species of fortnight lilies (Dietes) -- all previously included in the genus Moraea -- one from Australia's Lord Howe Island and five from tropical Africa. Fortnight lilies are also known as African iris, butterfly iris and morea iris.

Things You'll Need

• Large potting container with drainage holes
• Quality potting mix
• Trowel
• Garden gloves
• Water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Fill the container 1/2 to 2/3 full with potting mix. Slide the potted fortnight lily out of its original container, and place inside the new container.

   • 2

     Finish filling the container with potting soil. Water thoroughly to settle the medium around the root ball. Make sure the final soil level equals the fortnight lily's original planting depth.

   • 3

     Place the container in its permanent location. Fortnight lilies do best in the lightly dappled shade of tall trees.

   • 4

     Water plants regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but occasionally allowing it to dry out -- especially if you'd like to acclimate plants to drier conditions. Cut back on watering after blooming ends.