How do you care for fortnight lilies?
How to Grow a Fortnight Lily in a Container
- Plant fortnight lilies in containers that measure 24 inches in diameter or larger.
- Use potting soil formulated for good drainage.
- Grow fortnight lilies in full sun to partial shade.
- Fertilize in the spring using a general-purpose liquid or granular fertilizer.
Is a fortnight lily a perennial?
Native to eastern and southern Africa, Dietes iridioides (Fortnight Lily) is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial with attractive flowers resembling small Japanese Irises. They appear on branched stalks over an incredibly long season, extending from spring to fall and sometimes well into winter in mild climates.
How fast do fortnight lilies grow?
The name fortnight lily is based on the blooming cycle of the flowers, where new blooms come up approximately every two weeks.
How big do fortnight lilies get?
2-4 feet tall
Fortnight Lily is a rhizomatous perennial producing clumps of long, upright narrow leaves that reach 2-4 feet tall.
Why is it called a fortnight lily?
The Fortnight lily gets its name from its recurring two week flowering cycle during spring and into summer. This is a narrow-leaved species that grows to 30 in. tall with medium green leaves that quickly grows to form dense clumps in gardens and landscapes.
How do you split fortnight lilies?
They grow best in soil amended with organic matter.
- Cut just under the green seedpod with scissors to remove the pods as they appear to keep the iris from self-seeding.
- Pinch or clip spent blooms if they do not drop on their own.
- Cut brown or yellowing leaves and stalks back to the base of the plant with pruning shears.
How do you dig up fortnight lilies?
(Plants come up easier out of moist ground.) Then, using a garden fork, dig the clump out of the ground. The roots are not deep, so except for the size of the plants, you will find this job is not too difficult. Once you have the monster out, use a sharp spade to cut it apart into sections.
How often should I water fortnight lilies?
Once established, needs only occasional watering. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Can fortnight lily grow in shade?
The fortnight lily is very drought tolerant in shade but can also be grown in full sun with regular to occasional irrigation, but seems to look and bloom best with regular watering.
Is fortnight lily toxic to cats?
Lilies in the “true lily” and “daylily” families are very dangerous for cats. The entire lily plant is toxic: the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water in a vase….Highly Toxic Lilies for Cats.
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Wood lily | Lilium philadelphicum or umbellatum |
How do you prune a deity?
The correct way to prune Phormium and Dietes plants is by hand, cutting the leaves off at the base, as close as possible to the ground without damaging other parts of the plant. When pruning, be sure to use very sharp pruners for clean cuts, since the leaves are tough and fibrous.
When should I prune my diet?
Maintenance: prune foliage when necessary but avoid pruning the stem, as stem reproduces the flower. Cutting back the stem may mean that you won’t see any flower for a while.
Where does the fortnight lily grow in Africa?
Fortnight lily (Dietes iridioides) is an evergreen, long-lived member of the lily family native to East Africa. Its strap-like leaves grow from rhizomes that creep slowly along the ground to make thick clumps.
What’s the scientific name for the fortnight lily?
The fortnight lily goes by many names, including African iris, butterfly iris, Wood iris, and scientifically Dietes iridioides. The name fortnight lily is based on the blooming cycle of the flowers, where new blooms come up approximately every two weeks.
Is the fortnight lily a fire resistant flower?
If you live in an area that is prone to fire outbreaks, the fortnight lily may be a good option for your landscaping. The fortnight lily is considered a fire-resistant flower. Although not fire-proof, the fortnight lily can withstand the environment that comes along with fire such as high temperatures and smoke.
Do you clip off the leaves of a fortnight lily?
The stems of the yellow fortnight lilies (D. bicolor) only bloom once, so clip these off after bloom. Eventually clumps of fornight lily become very thick with growth and the problem is that fresh new leaves mix in with the old spent leaves.