IRIS: Iris is a genus of between 200-300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. A must have perennial, the iris tolerates wet, boggy areas and is very adaptable to a variety of soil types.* This well known large wild iris is commonly grown in gardens and used in large landscapes. It is a perennial, evergreen plant which grows up to 4 feet in large clumps. It grows naturally in Australia along the eastern coastal areas of the southern Cape, Eastern Cape and southern Kwazulu-Natal where it may be found in full sun or partial shade at forest margins, or in the shelter of taller shrubs on exposed slopes facing the sea. The name Dietes means "having two relatives" and refers to the relationship between this genus and Moraea and Iris. Grandiflora means "large flower". Dietes grandiflora plants grow from underground rhizomes. The long, rigid, sword-shaped leaves are held in a fan shape. The leaves are dark green and may reach over 3 feet long. The attractive flowers are large (about 18 inches) and are white with yellow nectar guides and outer tepals and violet central segments. The flowers are held on erect, slender stems which are about 3 feet in length. The flowers are borne in mass at certain periods - often after rain in summer. The individual flowers do not last more than a couple of days (so are of no use in a vase) however, the plant bears so many flowers during the peak period that the plant looks most striking. The flowers attract lots of bees and other pollinators. It is hardy in zones 9-11