Trimezia
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Neomarica
- Description
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The common name, Walking Iris' is derived from the plants' natural traits. New plantlets are formed at the end of each flower stalk and once flowering is complete the stalk falls over. At that point, a new plant begins to grow. This leads to the reference that the plant walks. Other common names include the word 'apostle', which refers to the undocumented belief that the plant will not flower until 12 or more leaves are present, referring to the 12 apostles.
Growing from a corm or a rhizome, the walking iris is a genus of about 20 plants in the Iridaceae (iris) family found all over the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Its genus comes from the Greek word 'tri' and 'meze' which translates to 'three' and 'greater'.
Its flowers appear to be a cross between an orchid and an iris. The short-lived blooms last only one day. However, they will bloom for an extended period of time through the spring, summer and into the fall.
Depending on the location, this plant can be grown as an evergreen or as a perennials. It is hardy in Zones 10 and 11, but can be container grown in cooler climates to be wintered indoors.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. In cooler locations, this plant may grow but will not produce flowers. Brown leaf tip indicate that the plant is receiving too much water.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Trimezia
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Tropical and subtropical Americas
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Buffer
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Shade
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Inconspicuous.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The showy flowers are a cross between an orchid and an iris. Its outer petals spread in a horizontal position. Three inner petals are curled.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The long sword shaped foliage grows in fan-like manner. They emerge from the soil with no stem.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Near Septic
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Specimen