DIETES iridioides Milky Way ®

Dietes iridioides Milky Way® : a striking, easy-to-grow, floriferous perennial, ideal for beds or pots!
Its evergreen ribbon-like foliage and star-shaped white flowers with purple speckles brighten up gardens and terraces from spring to fall.

80 x 70 cm Flared, upright tuft

Evergreen Green

Sun, partial-shade

From Mars to November White, yellow, purple

up to -7 °C

Soil : Light, well-drained, dry to cool

Packaging To find out more about our packaging, please visit our young plants' page available from the website header.	Available quantity	Dispo à partir de	Sold by	Desired quantity
Packaging POT11 To find out more about our packaging, please visit our young plants' page available from the website header.	Available quantity 400	Dispo à partir de Immédiat	Sold by min 10
Packaging GT9 To find out more about our packaging, please visit our young plants' page available from the website header.	Available quantity 1031	Dispo à partir de Immédiat	Sold by min 10

Ajouter à mon devis

Plant description

Dietes iridioides Milky Way®, also known as starry African lily, is a rhizomatous perennial notable for its evergreen foliage in upright, highly graphic clumps, similar to that of an iris. This Milky Way® variety is distinguished by its white flowers speckled with yellow and purple, reminiscent of shooting stars, which appear in successive waves from spring to fall. At maturity, it forms a beautiful compact clump 60 to 80 cm high and 50 to 70 cm wide. Its long flowering period, drought resistance, and ease of cultivation make it a wise choice compared to other varieties of the genus. Unlike some more demanding irises, Dietes Milky Way® is not very susceptible to disease and is hardy down to -7/-8°C. It is ideal for adding an exotic and refined touch to gardens, even by the sea.

Uses in the garden, on the patio, or balcony

Dietes Milky Way® is suitable for many ornamental situations. In beds, it structures contemporary compositions with its fan-shaped leaves and delicate flowers. It goes very well with grasses, agapanthus, or phormiums. In borders, it adds verticality and lightness. It is also an excellent plant for planters or pots, especially on a sunny terrace or balcony, where it flowers intermittently but regularly for many months. Its bushy, upright habit makes it ideal for planting alone in a small garden or for adding rhythm to a modern landscape design. Thanks to its structured appearance and minimal maintenance, it is perfect for dry gardens or Mediterranean-inspired gardens. It can also be used for planting on slopes or along paths, as it is undemanding once established.

Care and planting

Dietes iridioides Milky Way® is very easy to grow. It thrives in well-drained soil, even poor soil, and tolerates slightly dry conditions. Planting in full sun or partial shade is ideal. Space plants 50 to 60 cm apart so they can grow freely. Water regularly during the first year, then only during prolonged droughts. No specific pruning is required, but faded flower stems can be cut back to encourage new blooms. Adding organic fertilizer in the spring will promote more abundant flowering. In heavy or overly moist soil, good drainage is necessary to prevent the rhizomes from rotting. In cold climates, it is advisable to protect the roots with winter mulch or to grow the plant in a pot that can be stored indoors during the winter. Its foliage can be cleaned in the spring to remove damaged leaves.

Origin of the plant

Dietes iridioides is native to southern Africa (South Africa), where it grows naturally in grasslands and rocky areas.