Neomarica caerulea

Neomarica caerulea

Neomarica caerulea, sometimes known as walking iris, is a rhizomatous plant from Brazil with tall, attractive fans of evergreen architectural foliage (ht to 1 m). It belongs to the Iridaceae family, and in summer has spires of the exquisite iris-like flowers, coloured the most brilliant blue. Each lasts but one day but they continue to open over several weeks. The flowers look particularly stunning when paired with nearby the cerise foliage of Iresine herbstii 'Brilliantissima', or with silvery foliage such as that of Plectranthus argentatus, or with orange or yellow flowers. It thrives in well-drained, good soil in partial shade. It likes moisture. It can be grown in a large pot. Don't be too hasty to cut down the flower spikes after blooming is over, as small fans of leaves will form where the flowers have been and these will eventually develop some roots. At that time, the fans can be detached from the main plant and potted on as new plants for your friends.

This plant is frost tender; in cold areas, grow it in a pot and bring it under shelter during winter.

According to some authorities, this plant should now be called Trimezia caerulea.