Wild iris, or butterfly plant, as it is also called, is a delight to grow. It is a tough plant that will grow in most soils and, once established, will survive harsh growing conditions – even tolerating drought. Conversely, wild iris (Dietes spp.) will also grow in boggy gardens. It can be grown in full sun or semi-shade and is usually pest- and disease-free.

There are five indigenous species of wild iris – Dietes bicolor, D. butcheriana, D. flavida, D. grandiflora and D. iridioides. All these species, but especially the yellow wild iris (D. bicolor) and the large wild iris (D. grandiflora), make attractive garden and landscape plants. The blooms of the latter two are borne on top of long flower stalks above 90cm-tall foliage. Their leaves are evergreen and grass-like, and the plants grow to form attractive clumps.

https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/dietes-pretty-tough-plants/