Neomarcia gracilis

Common Name:
Walking Iris

Description:
Neomarica gracilis, commonly known as the Walking Iris, is a clumping, tropical perennial prized for its graceful, arching foliage and striking, orchid-like flowers. Named for its unusual habit of producing new plantlets at the ends of flowering stems, which bend to the ground and take root—giving the illusion of the plant "walking" across the garden or pot. Its sword-like leaves form a lush, upright clump, while its flowers appear intermittently in warmer months, typically in shades of white with vivid blue and purple markings and a yellow throat. In Melbourne, Walking Iris thrives in bright, indirect light or filtered sun, making it perfect for sheltered outdoor gardens, courtyards, or large pots. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering during the growing season, with reduced watering in winter. With its sculptural form and exotic blooms, Neomarica gracilis adds a touch of the tropics to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

• Ground Cover

• Indoors / Well lit

Mature Size:

• Height: 60–80 cm

• Width: 60–90 cm

Aspect:

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• White

• Blue

• Purple

• Yellow (throat markings)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Suitable for Indoors (bright position)

• Bee Attracting

• Perennial

• Unusual Growth Habit (produces plantlets on flower stems)

Toxicity:
Not widely reported as toxic, but not classified as edible. Best kept out of reach of pets and children to be safe.

Companion Plants:

• Clivia miniata

• Dietes grandiflora

• Aspidistra elatior

• Hosta cultivars

• Alstroemeria varieties