Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), African Iris is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Very low water once established. Water 1x per week dry season — very drought tolerant. Rainy season needs no supplemental irrigation.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Light balanced granular or slow-release.
Schedule: February and September with light balanced granular. Low fertilizer requirements.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 2–3 ft
- Mature Width
- 2–3 ft
- Growth Rate
- moderate
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find African Iris at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does African Iris grow in South Florida?
African Iris has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is African Iris safe for pets?
Yes, African Iris is considered pet-safe. Considered low toxicity to pets in landscape use.
How much water does African Iris need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), African Iris is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can African Iris tolerate salt air in South Florida?
African Iris has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is African Iris available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, African Iris is classified as: allowed. Allowed.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed. Non-restricted.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed. Commonly used in Broward xeriscape landscape programs.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed. Outstanding cold hardiness throughout Palm Beach County.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed. Excellent in Naples area drought-tolerant landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed. Moderate salt tolerance for protected Keys sites.
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about African Iris
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.