Neomarica northiana, also known as North's false flag or walking iris, is a flowering plant, native to Brazil, with rhizomatous rootstock of the small genus of Neomarica, related to the large Iris family.
One of the most beautiful blooms of spring comes from an unusual member of the Iris family — the walking iris (Neomarica gracilis). Neomarica is a clumping perennial that reaches anywhere from 18 to 36 inches (45-90 cm.). And once you see its flowers, you will appreciate another of its common names—the poor man’s orchid (not to be confused with the Schizanthus poor man’s orchid). This exotic-looking plant with its graceful sword-like foliage has white, yellow or blue flowers that resemble a cross between those of an orchid and an iris.
You should water your walking iris regularly during its active growth. Allow the plant to go dormant in winter and limit its watering to once monthly.
The plant prefers areas with light to full shade but will also tolerate some sun as long as it receives adequate moisture.
You can feed the plant every two weeks with a water soluble fertilizer in the summer, or use a granular slow release fertilizer annually in early spring as part of your walking iris care. Adding an ample amount of mulch will help with retaining moisture in the soil and insulating plant roots.
