How to Grow African Irises

The African iris (Dietes iridioides) is a perennial flowering plant that produces sword-shaped foliage, which fans out from the plant. The leaves are long --- up to 2 feet --- but slender. African irises grow to a height of 4 feet with a 3-foot spread in zones 8b through 11 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Flower stalks bloom in spring and summer with white, yellow and lavender flowers. The African iris blooms profusely, but each flower lasts only one morning, closing by midday.

Shovel
Compost
10-10-10 fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a location with full sun to dappled shade. Although the African iris thrives under the canopy of a tree, it flowers best when it receives full sun.
- 2
  Plant it in well-drained soil at the same depth at which it is growing in the nursery pot. Unless your soil is heavy clay, there is no need to amend it. Add 4 inches of compost to clay soil and blend it into the top 8 inches of soil.
- 3
  Water the African iris consistently during the growing season. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry to irrigate. Allow the soil to dry to a depth of 4 inches in winter.
- 4
  Apply an all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in March, June and August. Use the rate specified on the fertilizer label and apply it to the soil around the plant. Wash off any granules that land on the foliage and water to a depth of 6 inches after fertilizing.
- 5
  Allow the flower stalk to remain on the plant after the flowers fade. Remove seed pods with pruning shears to keep the plant blooming.

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