How to Prune an African Iris

African iris, known botanically as the Dietes species, are flowering ornamental grasses that thrive in very moist planting conditions or with frequent irrigation. Also sometimes known as fortnight lily, African iris grow from underground rhizomes and are classified as a species of clumping ornamental grass that also produces flowers perennially. The plants grow only in frost free temperate and tropical climate zones and will flower year round, but most heavily in the spring and summer, according to the University of Florida. Pruning tasks are very minimal and center on removing unattractive foliage.

Things You'll Need

Secateurs or fine tip pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prune your African iris anytime throughout the year, only gently and if needed, to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
- 2
  Sever dead, discolored, bent or diseased looking leaves all the way down to the crown, at the soil line, where the blade-like leaves emerge. Remove problem leaves only individually and be careful not to nick any adjacent healthy leaves in the clump when pruning.
- 3
  Refrain from cutting down the spent flower stalks after the bloom has faded and dropped, as the stems will repeatedly produce new flower heads, unlike common iris. Pluck off the spent flower heads gently, if they do not fall off of their own accord. Collect any flowers that fall into the clump to keep the plant healthy and looking tidy.

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