Lemon Drops African Iris (Dietes 'Lemon Drops') | Long-Blooming Perennial

Lemon Drops African Iris

1 Gallon

$21.90

$21.90 $0.00

1/2

Lemon Drops African Iris

Dietes ‘Lemon Drops’

A charming, long-blooming iris relative with delicate creamy-yellow flowers marked by bright yellow "lemon drop" centers and brownish-purple blotches.

$21.90

$21.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Dietes 'Lemon Drops' is a charming, evergreen perennial prized for its long season of delicate, creamy-yellow flowers with distinctive brownish-purple blotches. This clump-forming iris relative forms a tidy, upright fountain of stiff, sword-shaped, dark green, grass-like leaves that provide year-round textural interest. From spring through autumn, it produces slender, branched flower stalks bearing beautiful, iris-like, 2-inch wide blooms with creamy-white to pale yellow outer petals and prominent bright yellow inner markings (signaling "lemon drops"), each adorned with dark brown to purple blotches near the center. Flowers appear in succession, typically in two-week flushes (hence the common name "Fortnight Lily"), with each bloom lasting only one day. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, and deer resistant, it is an outstanding choice for borders, mass plantings, containers, coastal gardens, and water-wise landscapes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Upright, clumping fountain of stiff, sword-shaped, dark green, grass-like leaves; slender stalks with iris-like, 2-inch flowers of creamy-white to pale yellow with bright yellow inner markings and dark brown-purple blotches, blooming from spring through autumn .
Mature Height: 24-36 inches (2-3 ft)
Mature Spread: 24-36 inches (2-3 ft)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10 ; Sunset 8, 9, 12-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in sun)
Core Benefits: Long bloom season (spring to autumn), creamy-yellow flowers with "lemon drop" markings, drought tolerant, deer resistant, evergreen foliage.
Best Uses: Borders, mass plantings, containers, coastal gardens, water-wise landscapes, pollinator gardens.

Q: How is 'Lemon Drops' different from Dietes bicolor?
A: 'Lemon Drops' has creamy-white to pale yellow flowers with bright yellow inner markings and dark brown-purple blotches. Dietes bicolor typically has uniform pale yellow flowers without the prominent bright yellow "lemon drop" center.

Q: How long does Lemon Drops African Iris bloom?
A: It has a very long bloom season, from spring through autumn, with flowers appearing in two-week flushes. Each individual flower lasts only one day, but new blooms open continuously.

Q: How large does it get?
A: It forms a tidy, clumping fountain, typically reaching 2-3 feet in both height and spread.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, Dietes are generally resistant to deer and rabbits.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in mild winter climates, retaining its stiff, dark green foliage year-round.