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Dietes vegeta African Iris, Butterfly Iris

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen


Release Date: 10/11/2023

Reviewed At: 9/30/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp179-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides a detailed overview of the African iris (Dietes vegeta), a clumping, robust perennial known for its stiff, fan-shaped leaves and white flowers marked with yellow and blue. It describes the plant’s growth habits, including its height, spread, and preferred growing conditions, such as its tolerance for wet soil and partial shade. The document also highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, its moderate drought tolerance, and its minimal maintenance requirements. Additionally, it covers propagation methods and potential pest issues, noting that nematodes are the primary concern.  Original publication date October 1999.

About this Publication

This document is FPS179, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture; and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design; Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Gilman, E. (2007). Dietes vegeta African Iris, Butterfly Iris. EDIS, 2007(16). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp179-1999

Authors

Edward F. Gilman
Edward F. Gilman

professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Ryan Klein
Ryan Klein
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, arboriculture, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Gail Hansen
Gail Hansen
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, sustainable landscape design, UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences

Contacts

Keighly Graves
Keighly Graves
staff
University of Florida

horticultural science specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Claire Lewis
Claire Lewis
Specialist
University of Florida

state specialized agent II and director Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Wendy Wilber
Wendy Wilber
Specialist
University of Florida

state program coordinator and Extension agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Publication #FPS179