4 Walking Iris Plants Bare Root – Purple Flowering Neomarica gracilis 5+ Inches Tall

Overview

Introduce a touch of exotic beauty to your landscape with these stunning walking iris plants. Also known by their botanical name Neomarica gracilis, or Apostle Plant, these unique perennials are celebrated for their striking purple flowers and unusual propagation method. This offer includes 4 bare root plants, each measuring at least 5 inches tall, ready to be planted directly into your garden or containers. The walking iris plants are named for their ability to ‘walk’ across the garden, as new plantlets form on the flower stalks, eventually arching over and rooting into the soil, creating a beautiful, spreading display. They are a fantastic choice for adding continuous color and a tropical feel to various garden settings.

Originating from tropical regions, the walking iris plants are remarkably adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of climates. Their elegant form and vibrant blooms make them a popular choice for borders, mass plantings, or as an accent plant. Enjoy the year-round beauty of these resilient and captivating flowering plants.

Key Benefits

These walking iris plants offer numerous advantages for any gardener looking to enhance their outdoor space with minimal effort and maximum reward.

• Continuous Blooming: Experience the joy of beautiful purple flowers practically year-round, adding consistent color and vibrancy to your garden.
• Unique Propagation: Witness the fascinating ‘walking’ habit as new plantlets form, allowing the plant to naturally spread and fill areas, providing an ever-expanding display without much intervention.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these purple walking iris plants require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those new to plant cultivation.
• Versatile Landscaping: Ideal for various garden applications, including borders, groundcover, container planting, or even as an indoor accent plant in bright conditions.
• Drought Tolerant: While they appreciate regular moisture, established walking iris plants show good tolerance to drier periods, making them resilient in diverse conditions.
• Attractive Foliage: Beyond their stunning flowers, the sword-like, evergreen foliage provides year-round texture and structure to your garden.
• Easy to Establish: Shipped as bare root plants, they are robust and straightforward to plant, quickly taking root and beginning their growth journey in your garden.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your walking iris plants is relatively simple, ensuring a rewarding and beautiful display. These adaptable plants are quite forgiving, making them suitable for gardeners of all experience levels. For optimal growth and prolific blooming, consider the following care guidelines.

Sunlight Exposure: Walking iris plants thrive in full sun exposure, meaning they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce the most abundant blooms. In hotter climates, a location with partial shade, especially during the intense afternoon sun, can prevent leaf scorch and keep the foliage looking its best. They can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers. Watering Needs: These plants prefer regular watering, especially during dry periods and their active growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months or if grown indoors. Soil Type: Well-drained soil is crucial for the health of neomarica gracilis. They are not particular about soil type but good drainage prevents root rot. A rich, loamy soil amended with organic matter will provide the best environment. If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. Expected Planting Period: The best time to plant your bare root walking iris plants is from spring to fall, allowing them ample time to establish before extreme weather conditions. Temperature & Hardiness: These plants are generally hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder zones, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter or treated as annuals. They are sensitive to hard freezes. Fertilization: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can encourage vigorous growth and more blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Size & Details

This offering includes 4 individual walking iris plants, each provided as a bare root specimen. These bare root plants are robust and measure at least 5 inches tall, ensuring a healthy start in your garden. When mature, neomarica gracilis typically reaches a height of 18 to 24 inches with a similar spread, forming attractive clumps of sword-like foliage. The plantlets that form on the flower stalks can extend further, enabling the plant’s unique ‘walking’ habit. Expect these plants to establish quickly and begin producing their captivating purple blooms, which typically last only a day but are continuously replaced by new ones, creating a prolonged flowering season. Shipped without soil or pots, these bare roots are ready for immediate planting upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these walking iris plants get? A: Mature walking iris plants typically grow to about 18 to 24 inches tall and can spread similarly wide through their ‘walking’ propagation method, forming attractive clumps over time.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: While primarily an outdoor plant in warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-11), neomarica gracilis can also be grown indoors in a bright location with good air circulation, making it a versatile choice.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Walking iris plants prefer full sun exposure for best flowering, but in very hot climates, they benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf burn.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, these plants are considered low-maintenance and are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Consistent moisture and good drainage are key.
• Q: What condition will the plants arrive in? A: Your order will consist of 4 healthy walking iris plants shipped as bare roots, approximately 5 inches tall or more, ready for planting immediately upon arrival.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: Once established, these purple walking iris can begin to bloom within their first year, often providing continuous flowers throughout the warmer months and even year-round in ideal conditions.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: Walking iris plants are hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder zones, they should be brought indoors before the first frost or protected with heavy mulch to ensure survival.
• Q: What is the best way to propagate these plants? A: The easiest way to propagate walking iris plants is by detaching the plantlets that form on the flower stalks once they have developed a few leaves and roots, then planting them directly into soil.
• Q: Do these plants attract pollinators? A: Yes, the vibrant flowers of neomarica gracilis can attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden.
• Q: What type of soil is best for growing walking iris? A: Walking iris plants thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is generally preferred for optimal growth.