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Walking Iris
Shirley Edwards submitted this photo of a Walking Iris. I have found
additional info about the plant on various websites. I have not verified
this data, I merely provide it out of interest. CU
"Walking iris,
Neomarica gracilis, is one of the Neomarica species, other well-known
species are
N. caeruela and
N. vittata. In Finland we call it Apostolinmiekka, or Apostolinkukka,
which means Apostles' Sword, or Apostles' Flower. When the plant has 12 or 13
leaves, the leaves are the disciples, and then Jesus rises in the middle of the
plant (the flower). In Sweden it has also been called trettonblad (thirteen
leaves) because it usually blooms when it has 12-13 leaves.
Neomarica gracilis, (Brazilian Walking Iris). Native of regions
from Southern Mexico to Brazil. Also known as the twelve apostles,
has intricately designed orchard-like white flowers of white with
mottled crimson and a blue-violet banding. Glossy green, arching
leaves, like an iris which are sometimes more than 24 inches long.
Flowers from spring to late summer, prefers partial to full shade.
Flowers last only for one day, but multiple blooms will come from
the same stem in rapid succession.
Grows in grassy clumps up to 5 feet wide and equally high, does
well in pots and particularly suitable to hanging baskets. Flowers
appear in one year, two in cooler climates. May survive in the
ground in zone 8, best in zone 9 or warmer climates. Require a well
drained soil with reasonable moisture.
Propagation is very easy. Finished blooms will develop air roots
from which a small plant will grow. Plant the youngster in a 4-inch
pot of soil still attached to the mother plant, or snip and repot.
Keep well watered and repot when potbound.
IRIS - WEED CONTROL
There are no chemicals currently listed for control of grassy
weeds in bearded iris. Chemicals used to control grassy weeds will
also damage the iris.
Mulch is not recommended as iris rhizomes will rot.
Glysophate (RoundUp or KleenUp) may be used selectively if not
sprayed on the iris foliage.
Weeding by hand is the only other recommended option.
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Well, hello folks, I live in Doncaster UK, and
my Walking Iris only go out side in there pots
at the end of May (to cold for them, the rest of
the time). I've had my plants 10 years now ,and
well haha they are growing fast. I was given 1
as a present, and I could not find out what sort
of plant it was for a long time , Nobody new
what it was. I grow mine in Orchid compost with
added grit (the same as on the bottom of a bird
cage), and in 15cm clay pots, I water little and
often, only useing rain water, as I have found
the chemicals in tap water is oftern , not
harmful , but the plants dont like them. I spray
dilute food, maybe 1ns a week, and tomato feed,
as soon as the flower stem starts to appear.
This ensures a good healthy flower, and hence ,
a new healthy plant,, I spray baby plants, not
water as I have found this tends to rot them. So
now I have joined you, happy band of Apostle
growers, (my plants are the Candida.) |
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If you like blue and white accent in the shade,
this is your plant. It may need more sun farther
north, but in central Florida, it seems to
prefer medium to dense shade. My potted one is
not as happy as it will be when I release it
into the garden. At my old house (40 miles away)
it had gone nuts under the big maple, in the
remains of a log. As with most woodland plants,
this one adores lots of organic matter, and
that's about all the fertilizer it really needs.
The dark green leaves are glossy and very
pleasing. It is a wonderful accent among ferns. |
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This info comes from the Nature Hills Nursery website.
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Water Iris - Versicolor Facts
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Bulb Type
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Herbacious root
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Flowering Period
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June - September
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Bulb Spacing
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12 inches
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Flower Color
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Bluish Purple
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Planting Depth
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1 - 4 inches
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Soil Type
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N/A
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Growth Rate
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Fast
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Sun Explosure
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Full Sun
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Mature Height
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24 - 30 inch
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Moisture Requirements
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N/A
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Mature Form
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Upright
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Zones
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4 - 10
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About the Water Iris - Versicolor :
The Water Iris Blue Flag 'Versicolor', a spring water planted tuber,
produces beautiful Bluish Purple flowers . Water Irises have attractive
bladelike foilage. Water Irises usally live in water that is rich in
oxygen and receives a lot of sunlight. |
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Purchase
Area Master Gardener Association