Dietes grandiflora

Dietes grandiflora, sometimes called Fairy Iris, is one of those pretty but frost-sensitive South African plants that we dream of acclimatising to admire their very beautiful flowers. This relative of our irises develops evergreen ribbon-like foliage and produces white flowers washed with violet and speckled with yellow in spring.  These create a lovely soft and pastel composition as if painted by an artist. Easy to grow, but unfortunately only moderately hardy, the Fairy Iris should ideally be planted in moist but well-drained soil, in a sunny position, possibly in partial shade in the hottest regions. However, it tolerates dry and poor soils well. Pot planting is a perfectly viable option for the most continental gardeners.

Dietes grandiflora is a botanical species belonging to the family Iridaceae. It is a rhizomatous perennial plant that can spread in width without being invasive. Its growth is rapid, and it establishes and flowers quickly. An adult plant will measure about 1m (3ft) in height when in bloom, 80cm (32in) for the foliage, and will spread over a diameter of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in). The dense and flexible tufted silhouette is composed of evergreen foliage, which is slightly arched, with very thin dark and shiny green linear leaves, 90cm (35in) long. In spring, from March to June depending on the climate, thin stems appear between the foliage, carrying numerous open flowers that can measure about ten centimetres. Resembling our irises, they consist of 6 petals marked with yellow-orange spots in the centre. These spots are actually nectar guides, marking the way to food for pollinating insects. The central segments are washed with violet. They only live for a few hours but are constantly renewed.

The Fairy Iris is a drought-resistant species, but much more at ease in mild oceanic climates.  A sunny exposure and a moist soil allow for continuous flowering and the plant is not afraid of salt winds. Truly attractive in many ways, Dietes grandiflora will appeal to romantic enthusiasts of exotic plants, whether on a patio in a large pot or to border a pathway.  To make it feel at home, accompany it with Protea 'Clarks red' , Agapanthus of varying shades, and Felicia amelloides, all native to South Africa. It often perishes from cold when there is excessive soil moisture, so make sure to provide it with good drainage if grown in the ground. Its hardiness ranges from -7°C (19.4°F) to -10°C (14°F) depending on the quality of the drainage.