fairy iris somewhat iris-like, to 10cm across, with broad white "falls" with a stripe of rich yellow near the base, and erect violet-blue "standards". Blooms may last several days, and may be produced in flushes, every few weeks, throughout summer
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
| Spring | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White Yellow | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
Dietes are rhizomatous evergreen perennials forming loose clumps of leathery, linear or sword-shaped leaves, with erect stems bearing a succession of short-lived, iris-like flowers with 3 large outer segments and 3 small inner ones, in spring and summer
Plant range South Africa
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No2) in full light with good ventilation. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Reduce water after flowering; keep barely moist when dormant. Outdoors, grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Tolerant of poor, dry soils
Propagate by seed at 13-15°C (55-59°F) in autumn or spring. Alternatively, propagate by division of rhizomes after flowering. Plants may be difficult to establish
No pruning required
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