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Poor Man's Orchid Trimezia

Other plants called Poor Man's Orchid:

Previously known as:

  • Neomarica
Description

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:
Tags:
#evergreen#bulb#deciduous#perennial bulbs#herbaceous perennial#short lifespan#humidity tolerant#tropical#short lived blooms#drought intolerant#herbaceous bulb#short-lived perennials#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#bulb#deciduous#perennial bulbs#herbaceous perennial#short lifespan#humidity tolerant#tropical#short lived blooms#drought intolerant#herbaceous bulb#short-lived perennials#perennial
  • 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
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    Inconspicuous.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
  • 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