Nola Alba Fortnight Lily (Dietes × 'Nola Alba')

Nola Alba Fortnight Lily

Dietes × 'Nola Alba'

White iris-like blooms unfurl in weekly succession, a low-fuss garden workhorse. Evergreen rhizomatous perennial; common name: Nola Alba Fortnight Lily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates coastal salt spray and mild drought once established
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Watering Water deeply when top 5cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogged soil to prevent rhizome rot
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Temperature Hardy to light frost (down to 5°C); thrives in warm temperate to subtropical climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Long, sword-shaped evergreen foliage, upright clumping habit, glossy medium green color
  • Flower: White iris-like blooms with pale yellow basal markings, short-lived (1 day) but continuous blooming
  • Rhizome: Thick, fleshy underground rhizomes for water and nutrient storage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and blooming

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 before applying as root drench to support blooming
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stems at the base to encourage continuous blooming
  • Trim brown leaf tips with sharp, sterile shears to maintain tidy foliage
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to refresh growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; no harmful effects for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental border plant, container specimen, coastal garden groundcover