Strappy evergreen iris from southern Africa with elegant white flowers marked yellow and violet, opening in fortnightly flushes. Almost indestructible, though it can naturalise.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1 m 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 Large Wild Iris
Botanically, Dietes grandiflora is a moderate-growing perennial in the Iridaceae family. It reaches around 1 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White, purple and yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Large Wild Iris
Large Wild Iris suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean 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
Most soils suit Large Wild Iris provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 50 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Large 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 Large Wild Iris after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Large Wild Iris in the garden
Large Wild Iris earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, holding soil on banks and slopes, pots and courtyard containers and a fast screen or informal hedge. 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 Large 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
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Large Wild Iris
Plant Sale lists Large Wild Iris as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.