Pale yellow iris flowers, each petal blotched maroon-brown at the base, are carried over slender evergreen foliage through the warm months. A hardy, low-care clumping perennial for tough spots.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 80 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Yellow Wild Iris
Botanically, Dietes bicolor is a moderate-growing perennial in the Iridaceae family. It reaches around 80 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Yellow Wild Iris
Yellow Wild Iris suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Yellow Wild Iris does best in free-draining and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Yellow Wild Iris is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Yellow Wild Iris after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Yellow Wild Iris in the garden
Yellow Wild Iris earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, holding soil on banks and slopes, feeding bees and pollinators and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Yellow Wild Iris with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Yellow Wild Iris
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