Common African iris is perhaps too common. That is likely because it is so resilient and easy to propagate. Once it inhabits the garden, it will likely stay there. Yellow African iris, Dietes bicolor, is about as tough and prolific, but it is considerably less common. Though similar to common African iris, it is distinct. It has a softer foliar texture and yellow bloom.

Bloom continues from spring through summer, as long as the weather is warm. The pale yellow flowers are only about two to two and a half inches wide. They hover on slim but tough stems just above their foliage. Several flowers bloom in succession on each stem. Without deadheading, seed pods can disperse seed. Seedlings can become numerous.

Yellow African iris grows with foliar fans that form dense basal clumps. Collectively, they grow four feet tall and three feet wide. However, they can grow substantially broader with age. Large clumps are tough, but otherwise easy to divide. Foliage is somewhat grassy. Without grooming, it can become cluttered with old foliage and deteriorating floral stems. Overgrown clumps can be cut back after winter.