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Neomarica gracilis and Neomarica caerulea

© Gary Buckley

This is a Guest Article by Ray Cox.

Neomarica gracilis and Neomarica caerulea are often called the walking iris.

Neomarica caerulea is the largest of the Neomaricas, with leaves growing to 5' and flower spiked to 3'. With its spectacular deep blue 3/4" flowers with a little white near the center. Most of what is said of its smaller cousin, described below, is also true of this one as well. Native of Brazil.

Neomarica gracilis has three bright white petals pop open to reveal their inner segments of electric blue and brownish yellow, creating a flower of about 2'' in diameter on a pendulous stem that will reach 3' in length, drooping down and away from rigid, shiny 2'' x 3' sword-shaped leaves.

A regular miracle for hanging baskets, sloping banks or the like. Neomarica gracilis is only truly hardy to the mid 20s F, but not to worry; this plant adapts to indoor culture more readily than most. I really cold regions, leave it outside during spirng, summer, and fall; then bring it inside close to an east window when winter arrives. However, I know people who keep it inside the year 'round and rave about how well it does.

Here in Oz, you don't need to do this. Pictures from Carol and me in the discussions, take a look please.

Footnote from Pam Adkins

I grow the neomarica gracilis in the garden here in Z8b, and it has proven to be winter hardy for me, withstanding temps as low as 17 degrees. Frost will brown the ends of the leaves, but a quick trim in the spring pretties them up some. The flowers are fleeting, but I love the architectural value of the plant - it makes a great background for smaller, delicate looking plants. I've been searching for the Neomarica caerulea but haven't found a local source yet. I love anything with purple blooms, so this one is high on my list of "I wannas".

Pam Adkins

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