Fortnight lily

Fortnight lily (*Dietes iridioides*) is an evergreen, rhizomatous perennial that forms a clump of arching, sword-shaped leaves. Its short-lived white, iris-like flowers carry yellow and orange markings and recur in flushes from spring into summer. ## Garden placement Plant it in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. An exact-species nursery profile lists loam and sandy soil and estimates mature plants at about 60 cm to 1 m tall and wide; another profile gives a narrower spread estimate, so allow room for the clump. The arching foliage and recurring blooms suit borders and mass plantings, as well as containers, rock gardens, and woodland settings. [Plantmark’s *Dietes iridioides* profile](https://www.plantmark.com.au/dietes-iridioides) describes the mature form and garden conditions; [NC State Extension’s fortnight lily guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dietes/common-name/fortnight-lily/) covers its landscape uses and flowering cycle. ## Flowers The species’ white tepals have yellow nectar guides and orange-dotted markings; its style branches may be blue or flushed with blue. The RHS describes the plant as a rhizomatous evergreen perennial flowering in spring and summer. See [Kew’s species account](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60453852-2/general-information) and the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/5851/dietes-iridioides/details). ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing and through dry spells, although established plants tolerate some soil dryness. Prune spent blossoms to reduce self-seeding. NC State lists the genus entry for USDA zones 9–11; in colder climates it recommends growing the plant as an annual or lifting and storing the rhizomes for winter.