This plant thrives in full sunlight (but can bloom in partial shade) and is very drought-tolerant.
Read on for our care and growing guide.
In partial sunlight blooms may not be as vigorous.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Soil
These plants like a rich, well-drained loamy soil.
If you have clay soil, add some compost or other amendments to improve drainage before planting African iris.
In times of extreme drought it might need to be watered.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
In its first two years, or right after planting, it should be watered regularly.
Being very drought tolerant, they may not do too well in areas with high humidity in summer.
Dividing them frequently allows air circulation to prevent any issues resulting from too much dampness.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Fertilizer
The African iris can benefit from fertilizer during the growing season.
Apply a basic all-purpose plant food in spring and midsummer to help promote blooms and keep insects at bay.
Apply fertilizer several inches from the plant to prevent burning the roots.
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Pruning
The African Iris will tend to bloom quite heavily during the peak of the summer season.
Deadheading the blooms will keep your plants looking fresh and lively.
The best way to propagate is from existing plants after dividing.
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They can be replanted in spring when temperatures have warmed up and and danger of frost has passed.
The most common involve crown rot orroot rot.
This tends to occur when the plant remains damp for too long.
If your plant does develop rot, dig it up, cut off the affected area, and replant.
Autumn is a good time to divide and replant them to keep them healthy.
Common pests that may affect your African iris includeaphids, iris borers, and nematodes.
Iris borers attack the plant in their larval stage and can quickly cause widespread damage.
This can be prevented with the weekly program of neem oil spray.
This will also help prevent aphids.
When it is younger, it should bloom consistently throughout the spring and summer.
What Do African Iris Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flower scent, if noticeable, is subtle yet sweet.
It needs at least five hours of direct sunlight per day.
Finally, regular fertilization will also help your plant form more blossoms.
If you notice either, it could be due to either too much or too little water.
see to it to test the soil and ensure it’s being given the appropriate amount.
If growing as a perennial, the African iris tends to spread rather freely.
Once established, African iris will bloom year round.
These flowers do not need to be deadheaded.
