DIETES. Africa. This is a group of evergreen perennials formerly included in Moraea (which is now restricted to cormous species). All resemble the iris in foliage and flower. The blossoms are short-lived but produced in lengthy succession on branched stems. Sun or light shade, most soils, moderate to little watering. Hardy to 15-20o, except as noted.
bicolor (Moraea bicolor). This species has narrowly erect, 2’ leaves, slightly exceeded by the branched flower stems in summer. The 2" blossoms are pale yellow marked with dark brown.
grandiflora. Similar to D. iridioides, below, this species forms narrow clumps with erect, dark 2’ leaves and taller stems. The flowers are sometimes over 4" across, pure white overall with gold markings, and generally last longer than those of other species.
iridioides (D. vegeta, Moraea iridioides). Fortnight Lily. A vigorous grower, producing many narrow 2’ fans of bluish green leaves. Branched flower stems may rise as much as 4’ to display an almost continual succession of short-lived 3" blossoms, white with gold and lavender markings. ‘Johnsonii’ has larger leaves and stouter stems carrying 4" blossoms, with exceptionally large, brilliant markings. ‘Variegata’ is distinguished by pale yellow leaf margins.
‘Lemon Drop’. A hybrid resembling D. bicolor in habit and size, though with darker green leaves. The flowers are broad-parted like those of bicolor, but cream-colored with lemon yellow central markings.
‘Orange Drop’. This is a considerably smaller plant than the last, with narrower leaves, more resembling D. iridioides (see above) overall. Again the flowers are broad-parted and cream-colored, but have central blotches of bright orange.