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Free Shipping on 5 or More Plants
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Fortnight Lily

Dietes bicolor

$16.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 8-10

Bring a touch of elegance and resilience to your garden with Dietes bicolor, a plant deeply rooted in history and celebrated for its beauty. Commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, Dietes bicolor hails from the grasslands and coastal regions of South Africa, where it thrives in full sun to part shade and resiliently weathers harsh environments. Its botanical name, Dietes, means “two relatives,” referring to its close relationship with the irises and gladioluses, both celebrated for their striking flowers.

Historically, Dietes bicolor was a plant of utility and admiration. Early South African settlers marveled at its ability to bloom in cycles, often every two weeks during the growing season—hence the name “Fortnight Lily.” This pattern of flowering made it a favored addition to early colonial gardens, where its delicate yellow flowers with striking purple-brown markings added charm to cultivated landscapes. These blooms only last a day, but the plant's impressive ability to produce flowers continuously ensures a steady stream of color.

Over the centuries, Dietes bicolor has found its way into gardens across the world, prized for its resilience and ability to thrive in both well-tended landscapes and wild, natural settings. Its origins in Africa’s tough environments make it particularly drought-resistant, adapting well to modern water-wise gardens. With graceful, sword-like evergreen foliage and flowers that sway delicately in the breeze, Dietes bicolor brings a combination of hardiness and beauty that few plants can match.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 to 10
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Loam, and Sandy
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 8 - 10

Soil: Well-drained, Loam, and Sandy

Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Fast

Height at Maturity: 12 - 15 Inches

Spread at Maturity: 12 - 15 Inches

Flowers: Dietes bicolor produces delicate, pale yellow flowers with dark brown to purple blotches at the base of the outer tepals. Each flower typically lasts just one day, but the plant blooms continuously over a long period, especially in warm weather. The flowers grow on tall, slender stems above the foliage, giving the plant an elegant appearance. The blooms can appear sporadically throughout the year in the right climate.

Foliage: The foliage consists of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. The leaves are dark green, growing up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length and about 0.5 to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm) wide. The evergreen foliage provides an attractive year-round presence, especially in landscaping where texture and movement are desired.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light: Dietes bicolor thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates.

Soil: This plant adapts to a variety of soils, though it prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. It can also tolerate clay soils as long as they don’t stay waterlogged.

Watering: Water regularly during its active growing season (spring and summer). While Dietes bicolor is drought-tolerant, it performs best when kept in consistently moist soil. Reduce watering in winter as the plant enters a semi-dormant state.

Temperature: Dietes bicolor is frost-tolerant and can handle mild frosts, but it thrives in warmer climates with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer. Too much fertilizer may lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so moderate feeding is recommended.

Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks and old foliage to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Pruning helps the plant direct energy to flower production.

Propagation: Dietes bicolor can be propagated by dividing clumps in early spring. It can also self-seed, although the seedlings may not always be true to the parent plant.

Pests/Diseases: Generally, Dietes bicolor is pest and disease-resistant, but occasionally aphids or spider mites may appear. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.