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Apostle Iris

Common Name: Apostle Iris, Walking Iris

Scientific Name: Neomarica spp.

Type of Plant: Perennial

Description: Apostle Iris is a clumping herbaceous perennial with long, glossy green leaves and small, iris-like flowers. The flower color will vary depending on the species; they can be white, yellow, or blue-purple.  Apostle Iris sports interesting flowers, with outer petals that spread almost horizontally. Three curled inner petals add a pop of texture to the center of the bloom. The inner and outer petals have interesting yellow and mahogany markings at their base resembling tiger stripes. These striking blooms only last a day, but as flowers die more will follow for an extended period. How long your plant continues to flower will depend on the species.

Mature Size: 2-3′ tall x 2-3′ wide.

Blooms: Spring-Fall

Fruit:  No

Climate Requirements: Apostle Iris can be grown in full or partial shade, can tolerate a range of soil types, and will thrive in moist locations.

Care Requirements:

  • In the northern parts of the state, Apostle Iris often freezes to the ground but will return from the roots in the spring. Remember, you can use woven fabric covers to help protect your plants should freezing temperatures be in the forecast.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of moist soils but will not endure drought conditions. It is best to err on the wet side.

Spacing: Space plants 24-36″ apart

Water Needs: Average

Maintenance: Low

Special Uses/Attributes: The Apostle Iris is quite lovely when massed together in the shade. The upright foliage combines with the occasional flower to strike a bold pose in the landscape.  This plant does well in mass plantings, providing year-round interest with its upright foliage that’s lovely even when not flowering. It is also well suited to containers and hanging baskets where its arching stems can be highlighted.

Florida Native: No

Inventory, Perennials

Allamanda

Common Name: Allamanda

Scientific Name: Allamanda schottii/Allamanda schottii ‘Compacta’

Type of Plant: Shrub

Description: Vigorous and fast-growing, Allamanda schottii is an evergreen tropical shrub boasting a profusion of ravishing clusters of golden trumpet flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with reddish-orange throat stripes. Blooming in succession for months throughout the summer to the first cold snap, the flowers give way to ornamental rounded, prickly fruits. The blossoms stand out against the handsome foliage of leathery green leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), held in whorls along the stems.

Mature Size: 4-5′ tall x 4-5′ wide (Bush)/2-3′ tall x 2-3′ wide (Dwarf)

Blooms: Summer-Fall.  Allamanda blooms on new growth. It does not tolerate cold and needs heat for adequate growth and flowering.

Fruit:  No

Climate Requirements: A full sun or light shade lover, it is best grown in richly organic, fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate drought or wet soils. Allamanda appreciates heat on its vines, but its roots benefit from a cooler environment.

Care Requirements:

  • Water and fertilize regularly during the growing season. Keep organic mulch around the base of a plant and fertilize twice each month.
  • Prompt removal of spent flowers will encourage more blooms. Prune in late winter, early spring to encourage a more compact habit and a copious blooming.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for scale, mealy bugs and leaf spot. Allamanda drops its leaves when it suffers water stress. Yellowing between leaf veins, or chlorosis, indicates a need for more organic matter in the soil.

Spacing: Space plants 48-60″ apart

Water Needs: Average

Maintenance: Average

Special Uses/Attributes: Providing quick, long-season color, Allamanda makes a beautiful accent, hedge or single specimen. It will also happily reside in a
container to be moved indoors in cold weather.  All the parts of the plant are toxic and the latex can cause dermatitises and allergic reactions to particularly sensible persons.

Florida Native: No

Inventory, Shrubs