African iris Dietes grandiflora
African iris (Dietes grandiflora) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa. It grows 90 cm–1.2 m (35 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
Plan African iris in your garden →
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African iris at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.2 m (35 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 26–39 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coast, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is African iris toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Toxicity is not well documented; related irises are irritants, so treat rhizomes with caution.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African iris
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about African iris
- How far apart should I plant African iris?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does African iris need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African iris need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is African iris?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does African iris flower?
- From about May for 26–39 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is African iris poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Toxicity is not well documented; related irises are irritants, so treat rhizomes with caution.
- What grows well with African iris?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African iris. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Each flower lasts a day but the clump flowers repeatedly for months; do not cut the old flower stalks, which rebloom.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- Bugle lily (watsonia) Watsonia borbonica