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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

African Iris

Common Name: African Iris

Scientific Name: Dietes bicolor, Dietes vegeta

Type of Plant: Perennial

Description: This clumping, robust perennial ornamental grass has stiff leaves radiating up and out in a fan shaped pattern. The flower spikes are topped with gorgeous 3″ white or yellow blooms. The flowers are produced sporadically throughout the year. 

Mature Size: 2-3′ tall x 3-4′ wide.

Blooms: Flowering tends to occur in bursts at 2-week intervals, hence another common name: Fortnight Lily

Fruit:  No

Climate Requirements: African Iris performs best in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Best flower production occurs in full sun, but light afternoon shade is welcomed. Thrives with regular moisture but will perform satisfactorily in poor soil with infrequent watering once established.

Care Requirements: Remove seed pods to promote additional blooms. Flower stems should not be removed after flowering.  Clip off any leaves that die. Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season.  No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for crown root, root rot, rust, scale and nematodes.

Spacing: Space plants 36″ apart

Water Needs: Low, Average

Maintenance: Low

Special Uses/Attributes: African Iris can be useful in the landscape along woodland borders, in mass plantings, in containers or planters, as a border or edger, around decks, swimming pools, and other outdoor living areas, as an accent, under a shade tree, as a groundcover, in landscape beds or islands or in small groupings and also in rock or xeriscape gardens, theme gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens or perennial gardens.  It is fairly drought tolerant and moderately salt tolerant.  

Florida Native: No

Inventory, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials