Neomarica, ‘Walking Iris’, or ‘Apostle Plant’ produce fans of glossy dark green foliage and cream to mauve flowers. The term walking Iris comes from the way that the stems of the Neomarica arch over and touch the ground, on doing so they set roots and them move (walk) on and produce dense clumps.
Generally best in warmer sub tropical climates you can grow these fascinating plants in sheltered positions in cooler areas with a little luck. You will need to provide a warm sheltered position year round. Probably best from Brisbane to the north where they will flower well in the spring.
Neomarica Care and growing conditions
Both N. bicolor and N. gracilis are a hardy plants in sun or shade.Sun/shade.
Neomarica grow well in warmer regions and prefer a humus rich moist soil. They do like winters that are a little on the dry side.
Varieties
- N. caerulea is known as the ‘Fan Iris’. Well suited to hanging baskets
- N. bicolour gracilis is also known as the ‘Brazillian Walking Iris’. Fragrant flowers from late winter are a feature of the species.
- N. northiana is rare in Australia.