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

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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

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Description

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.

Quick Facts

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Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in sun)

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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
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.

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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