Synonyms: Martinique trimezia, Neomarica longifolia
Origin: Native of South Mexico to South America
Family: Iridaceae
Light: Part-full shade
Spacing: "6
Height: 3-4'
Blooms: Bright yellow, mottled with brown spots, repeated, late Winter and year round
Foliage: Green, long, upright, blade-like, smooth
Soil: Mildly alkaline, neutral, drought tolerant, flood tolerant
Water: Moderate
Uses: Hanging baskets, containers, house plant, terranium, mass plant, tropical garden
Propagation: Plantlets
Comments: Trimezia martinicensis or Apostle Plant or Yellow Walking Iris or Martinique trimezia or Neomarica longifolia is a tropical perennial bulbous plant with a low, clumping growth habit. It is a native of South Mexico to South America. In late Winter Trimezia martinicensis repeatedly produces exquisite, small iris-like, yellow blossoms which lasts only a day. Plantlets are formed where the spent blossoms were and the weight of which causes the upright leaves to touch the ground where they form roots. The plantlets can be easily removed and propagated. Grow them in groups so that there will be a continuous blossom display. Yellow Walking Iris thrives in a part shade location in mildly alkaline or neutral soil. It is more drought and flood tolerant than Neomarica grandiflora. Mass plant Neomarica longifolia as accent plant or in hanging baskets or containers for a terrific tropical flair. Since it is flood tolerant, Martinique trimezia can be grown in a shallow dish, an aquarium or in a terranium as a houseplant. Mulch well to protect Neomarica grandiflolia from frost in Winter. This is an easy and low maintenance plant. Yellow Walking Iris will 'walk' endlessly and forms a nice clump quickly when grown in the ground. It catches one's attention and makes a great conversation piece.
USDA Zones: 9-11