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Plant Database Search Results > Neomarica caerulea   Neomarica caerulea - Walking Iris    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Perennial Family: Iridaceae (Irises) Origin: Brazil (South America) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Dark Orchid Bloomtime: Spring Height: 4-5 feet Width: 2-3 feet Exposure: Cool Sun/Light Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Neomarica caerulea (Walking Iris) - This iris-like evergreen (frost free locales) perennial forms large clumps with 3-5 feet long, stiff, dark green sword-like leaves. The strikingly beautiful 3-4 inch wide bright violet-blue flowers appear above the foliage in late spring. The flowers seem to open only for a day but succeed each other in flushes so that it gives a good show of color over a long period of time. Plants will grow in full sun but foliage color is best in light shade; water regularly. Well-drained soil is preferred. Cold hardy only to about 30 degrees F. Neomarica is a genus in the Iris family (Iridaceae) with 15 species found in the tropical Americas. Plants in the genus were previously called Marica from the name of a nymph. The preface neo, Greek for "new" was added when it was discovered that Marica had been previously used for the closely related genus Cipura. The common name, Apostle Plant, comes from the belief that a Neomarica will not bloom until the plant has 12 leaves.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.