African Iris

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1 gallon (6 Pack)

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

African Iris is an elegant evergreen perennial known for its graceful sword-like foliage and delicate white flowers accented with yellow and purple markings. This low-maintenance flowering plant blooms repeatedly throughout the warmer months, bringing long-lasting texture and color to landscapes, borders, and mass plantings. Its drought tolerance and adaptability make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Botanical name: Dietes iridioides
Other common names: Fortnight Lily
Bloom time: Spring through fall
Evergreen
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.

WATER:
Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. Approximately once or twice per week during establishment, then less frequently once established. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11. African Iris thrives in warm climates and adapts well to heat, humidity, and coastal conditions with well-draining soil.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The African Iris, scientifically known as Dietes iridioides, is a graceful evergreen perennial prized for its elegant white flowers accented with yellow and purple markings. This low-maintenance flowering plant brings a tropical, architectural look to landscapes, borders, and mass plantings while producing blooms repeatedly throughout the warmer months. African Iris is valued for its drought tolerance, clumping growth habit, and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking long-lasting color and texture in the landscape.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate-growing evergreen perennial. Typically reaches a mature size of approximately 2-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide in dense clumping growth.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Approximately once or twice per week during establishment, then less frequently once established. African Iris becomes fairly drought tolerant over time but may benefit from occasional deep watering during extended hot or dry periods. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

African Iris grows best in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial afternoon shade can help protect foliage and encourage longer-lasting blooms.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
African Iris requires minimal pruning and is considered a low-maintenance landscape perennial. Remove spent flower stalks and trim away damaged or older foliage as needed to maintain a clean appearance and encourage fresh growth.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy foliage and flowering. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Excessive fertilization may lead to lush foliage growth with fewer blooms.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In warmer climates, African Iris generally requires little to no winter protection. In areas that experience occasional freezes, applying mulch around the base can help insulate roots during colder temperatures. Foliage damaged by frost can typically be trimmed back in spring as new growth emerges.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a planting location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade exposure. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and plant so the top of the rootball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil and water deeply after planting to help settle the roots. Apply mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, while keeping mulch slightly away from the crown of the plant to avoid excess moisture buildup.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 8-11

African Iris thrives in warm, mild climates and performs especially well in regions with hot summers and moderate winters. It is commonly used in southern and coastal landscapes due to its heat tolerance and adaptability to a variety of growing conditions. In colder climates near the edge of its hardiness range, foliage may experience damage during hard freezes but often rebounds in spring. This evergreen perennial adapts well to both humid and dry conditions once established and performs best in well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does African Iris grow?

African Iris is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.