Hi Linda:
I have grown all six species of Dietes in the past and five now.
This is roughly zone 9 b in winter and zone 10 in summer with year round
rains. Dietes can take slight frosts that dry off the leaves' tips. They are
incredibly resistant to drought and can be used as groundcovers around
trees. They can be grown in full sun and also in the deepest shade although
they seem to do better with half day sun. Most are supposed to come from
forests' edges. They respond to good waterings and the flowering season can
well last for seven or more months. The flowers are produced spasmodica-lly,
in flushes, hence the common name of "fortnight lily". As for the cycle, the
foliage is evergreen but it differs from species to species in shape and
color. As soon as the weather gets warmer in spring the plants start growing
new fans and increase in size until late autumn/winter. Not being geophytes
and having fibrous well branched roots they resent being lifted. Propagation
from fresh seed is incredibly easy, germination being 100% (or over!). Seed
germinates scattered on the ground without having to be covered. Germination
seems to be better under low light conditions.
All the best
Alberto
Buenos Aires
Argentina
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Amor: busca tu ½ naranja http://latam.msn.com/amor/