Pollination Info for Fortnight Lily (Dietes bicolor)

Fortnight Lily, also known as African iris or yellow wild iris, is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. The plant has long, narrow leaves and large, showy flowers that bloom profusely throughout the year.

Pollination in Fortnight Lily is primarily done by bees, especially honeybees, bumblebees, and carpenter bees. These bees are attracted to the bright colors and sweet nectar of the flowers. They land on the petals and collect nectar and pollen, while inadvertently transferring pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the flower.

The flowers of Fortnight Lily are hermaphroditic, meaning they contain both male and female reproductive organs. The anthers, which produce pollen, are located at the base of the petals, while the stigma, which receives pollen, is located at the end of the style. The plant can also self-pollinate, but cross-pollination by bees is more efficient and leads to stronger genetic diversity.

Fortnight Lily is not dependent on any one particular species of bee for pollination, making it a resilient and adaptable plant in many environments. However, habitat loss and pesticide use can have negative impacts on bee populations and ultimately affect the pollination and reproduction of Fortnight Lily and other plants in the ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fortnight Lily (Dietes bicolor)

What is a Fortnight Lily?

The Fortnight Lilly is a highly esteemed ornamental plant species in the Iridaceae family, native to southern and eastern Africa. It gets its name from the fact that its blooms last only two weeks (“fortnight”) in most cases, with new flowers blooming to replace those that have faded.

Is Fortnight Lily suitable for all climates?

Fortnight lilies thrive best in tropical and subtropical areas, but they can also grow in arid, Mediterranean-like climates. They can tolerate some cold and drought, but they do well in dappled shade or light full-sun environments such as woodland openings or on the margins of ponds or streams. Ideal planting sites should provide well-drained soil for the best possible growth.

How do I plant Fortnight Lily?

The planting process for Fortnight lilies is quite simple. You can plant them using their rhizomes, and the holes for planting should be as deep as the rhizomes themselves. Gently pack soil around the plant to keep it steady and then water well. The plant typically takes 1-3 weeks to establish itself and show signs of growth.

How often do I need to water Fortnight Lily?

The Fortnight lily is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that needs to be watered sparingly but regularly, particularly during extended periods of dry weather. It is important to note that overwatering can cause rotting or can lead to other soil-borne diseases, so it is advisable to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which could prove harmful to the Fortnight lily’s growth.

What fertilizers should I use on Fortnight Lily?

Fortnight lilies are marginally favorable to the use of commercial fertilizers, as some may burn the foliage or compromise the growth of the plant. However, if you need to fertilize, do so sparingly, and use phosphorus-rich fertilizers such as bone meal. A small amount of organic mulch can also provide your plant with the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.

How do I propagate Fortnight Lily?

Propagating Fortnight Lily is easy and straightforward. You can do this through rhizome division, which typically takes place during the plant's dormant season. You can easily identify the rhizomes protruding from the soil and use a garden fork to separate each from the plant’s main clump. Pot up the divided rhizomes in well-draining soil and water them occasionally until they have established themselves, then transplant them as needed.

Can Fortnight Lily thrive indoors?

Fortnight lily is a plant that thrives best outdoors or in semi-outdoor living spaces, such as screened porches, patios, balconies, or areas with filtered light. While it is possible to grow them indoors, they depend on considerable care, and their harsh, sword-like leaves are sharp and can cause injury. They also need plenty of light to grow and perform well, making it challenging to meet their needs indoors.

Is Fortnight Lily a poisonous plant?

No, Fortnight lilies are not poisonous and are regarded as safe around both pets and small children. However, their leaves and flowers are somewhat tough and could cut or poke, so handle them with care.

Planting Fortnight Lily

1. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure.

2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

3. Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil before planting.

4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets.

5. Water thoroughly.

Caring for Fortnight Lily

1. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Afterward, fortnight lily may require little to no additional watering.

2. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring.

3. Remove spent flowers and seed pods to extend blooming and prevent unwanted spread.

4. Divide crowded clumps every few years in early spring to maintain vigor.

5. Monitor for pests like snails and slugs and treat as needed.