Peacock Flower, Bicolor Iris, Evergreen Iris, Spanish Iris, African Iris (Dietes

Peacock Flower, Bicolor Iris, Evergreen Iris, Spanish Iris, African Iris
Dietes bicolor

A view of the bicolor iris (Dietes bicolor) growth habit with first opened bloom. Shown in March.

Thank you for posting the "Peacock Flower". I just purchased a bunch and now know what to expect. How often do you divide them?

You are quite welcome. I have never divided mine because it took them so long before they bloomed that I didn't want to disturb them. I have some in containers and this one in the ground. I think they didn't bloom for a few years because they weren't receiving enough sunlight. They are beautiful plants even when not in bloom. I had my oak trees trimmed and thinned which allowed more sunlight this year. Maybe someone else will provide the information you seek about dividing them. Mine have had open blooms since about the first part of March. The bloom stalks have 8 blooms per stalk which open progressively (don't all bloom at one time) so the blooms provide their beauty over a long period. 2 stalks emerge almost together so that's a lot of blooms. New bloom stalks are emerging now. Thanks for your comments.

Oh how I hate these. Sure it was nice when it was a little plant, by itself, and I didn't know any better. Blooms every other week (hence the name 'fortnight lily') but in my Zone 10 climate, those things are fertile! I now must regularly dig the little seedlings that are all over the place. They have neat looking seeds, but I don't need 100 of these plants. It's a great beginner plant, because it's very low maintenance. It's a staple in California parking lots, along with Gazanias, Agapanthus (both blue and white), and Natal plum. I am definitely ready for something different. BTW they are easy to divide. They form thick clumps, and have tough leaves. I divided mine into 4 plants and planted them on the side of the road.

I have had mine for about 4 years and haven't had a problem with them. Of course, this is the first year that they have bloomed and I don't live in Zone 10. Yikes ... maybe I had better collect those seedpods!

Do the leaves on these stay green all year? [I am in zone 9] Wow!! I did not realize they do not bloom the first year -- or is that an "iffy" thing?

Yes, the leaves stay green all year. That's one of the reasons I really love them. Their blooming may be an "iffy" thing like you said, but I have read several accounts that stated that they can take 2 to 3 years to bloom. They send out new bloom stalks about every 2 weeks or so. I also have Dietes vegeta (Dietes iridioides) which are evergreen as well. Both of these are lovely even when not in bloom.

Dietes vegeta
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/572/index.html

Thanks for your comments.

I think I made a mistake -- my "Peacocks" are Peacock Orchids or Acidanthera. I think they are related to glads.

This year I cleared a large space next to a new porch addition and created a garden. I am filling it with bulbs and plants. If everything survives our scorching summer and "schizoid" winter, it will be a great garden next year. This garden is on the north side of our house.

Those are nice looking plants. I know nothing about them though. Your garden sounds lovely and I hope all your plants do well for you.

I have a large bush,which has doubled in size in a year and a half. A word to the wise,divide before it gets large and clumps. It is a nightmare separating it. My husband and i took a hatchet and two different types of shovels it took two of us pulling in different directions,after we finally got under the roots to remove some of it . I read where one man used a saw,i can believe it The plant gets so dense . It will take over your bed if you let it,at least in zone 8 or 9 it will. On the positive side it blooms a very long time here in the summer and it transplants easily,once you get it out of the ground.It takes direct sun, high temperatures,drought and humidity. good luck.

0655, thanks for the valuable information. Mine is now wedged between a landscape timber next to the sidewalk and a brick column. It has now pushed the landscape timber over some. I had real trouble when I tried dividing some offsets from the mother plant so I could give them to a friend. I had to use a small curve-bladed handsaw that I usally use to saw off smal tree branches.