what is this iris?

10 years ago

Hi there, iris aficionados!
I'm hoping some of you can help me figure out what this iris is. Here's what I know:
It grows in New Orleans, LA and blooms even in winter. I saw it blooming in both December & February, although not profusely. I collected dried seed pods, but also fresh green seed pods. It also had little "plantlets," some small offshoots with little roots growing off some of the stems. Does this indicate it is what is called a "walking iris" or are there other genus/species of iris that will also do this?
The plants are 24 to 36 inches tall. I winter sowed some of the seeds; the fresh seeds have germinated, but no sign of the dried ones yet.
I'd love to hear what you think this is.
Thanks!
Katie

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Comments (4)

hosenemesis
10 years ago
It's a Fortnight Lily, Dietes, formerly known as Morea, and sometimes called African Iris. Whew. To make matters worse, it's in the iris family, not the lily family. I'm not sure if it's Grandiflora or the other one. I just love them and I have three of them in my yard.
Renee

Here is a link that might be useful: Dietes Fortnight Lily
kchd
Original Author
10 years ago
Renee, you are da bomb! Thank you for solving this mystery. I am a native plant enthusiast, and am at a complete loss when it comes to non-natives.
Katie
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hosenemesis
10 years ago
They are ubiquitous here in Southern California. But I'll take the undeserved praise anyway...
sherry Austin
10 years ago
I grow a variegated form in my garden. They are tough, tough plants here. If they get shabby looking, cut down to the ground before new growth starts, which is February here. They come back looking fresh.. Also a good time to divide when they get too "thick".