The yellow wild iris is fast growing which makes it ideal for use in areas that need to be established rapidly. Although it occurs naturally near streams and in marshy places, it is also drought-resistant and frost-hardy. Dietes bicolor forms a large spiky clump, ideal for use as an accent plant near ponds or at the sides of steps, pathways and entrances. Because the plant multiplies rapidly, it can be easily propagated for large-scale plantings. Its evergreen, spreading habit makes it suitable for use as a long-lasting ground cover. The flowers are not suitable for cut flower arrangements as they are so short lived. The plant is able to grow easily in very poor soil with little water and can be useful when plants need to be established on poor subsoils as is often the case after earth moving has taken place on building sites. The yellow wild iris is often mass-planted on road islands. Several other Dietes species, including D. grandiflora, make good garden plants.

The plants also thrive in damp situations and will tolerate light shade, but do better in full sun except in hot inland gardens where partial shade is best. For optimal results plant the yellow wild iris in soil containing plenty of compost and water regularly. The yellow wild iris has been cultivated in Europe since the early 1800's.

Dietes bicolor can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes of large clumps after the flowering period or in autumn. The seed of the plant germinates readily when sown in spring or autumn in a good, moist seedling medium.