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Kim’s a Want It Now (WIN): Everything pretty, everything now. She will resort to full-spectrum insecticides in desperate situations, and believes it’s her duty and right to buy new plants every weekend.
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A fantastic new plant for us ... who’s ready to go shopping?
Posted Feb 11, 2010 by Loren Omoto
Updated Feb 12, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Are you in love yet?
Meet Regina, a new-to-the-States walking iris that hails from the land of samba and salsa, Brazil.
Regina, or more formally, Neomarica caerulea ‘Regina, also known as Giant Apostles iris, was introduced here about five years ago. And already it has won the hearty endorsement of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscapers Association. The organization selected it as one of seven Florida Plants of the Year for 2010—the best-looking, best-performing, most durable plants for Florida.
I’ve heard of a few walking irises that do very well in Florida. The most common is the yellow blooming Neomarica longifolia, which you see in many an old-fashioned Florida garden.
I got mine from a 90-plus-year-old woman whose garden dated back to the 1940s.
But, siiiiiiiiiiigh, they’re not as pretty as my new love, Regina.
I called the nursery and growers association to find out where we can buy Regina. They promised to check, but I don’t think they had any luck because I didn’t hear back. So I started looking around on-line.
I finally found a Florida nursery that promises to have plenty in stock year-round. This nursery loves Regina, and for very good reason. It’s owned by Sid and Regina Gardino.
“My dad (Sid) introduced the iris. It’s named for my mom,” said Andrea Gardino. Sweet!
The iris can take full sun but its dark green foliage looks best in filtered light, Andrea said. It blooms from February through August and gets 4 to 5 feet tall.
Andrea has them at her home in Fort Myers, where she got four nights of freezing temperatures last month.
“I did not cover them and they’re pretty much the only plants that haven’t been affected by the cold,” she said. “Everything else in my yard looks horrible.”
Gardino Nursery is in Delray Beach, but it does ship. A small plant in 4-inch pot is $8; 6-inch is $15; and a 3-gallon, 2-foot ready-to-bloom is $25 (plus shipping).
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Reader Comments
Posted by (Janna) on February 12, 2010
The Regina is beautiful - I love the color! I’ve never had walking irises before, but I now have a couple in pots that I’ll be putting in the ground as soon as it’s a little warmer. Maybe I should add a Regina or two….
Posted by (kgardens) on February 12, 2010
That is a beautiful flower. I have two types of walking iris: the yellow flowered one and a white w/ purple one. They love “strolling under my oaks”. Love the word picture Penny. I have lots if anyone would like some. They came through the freezes with just a little tinge. The only thing is, I don’t know which is which until they bloom because I have them all mixed together. Their flowers are not nearly as large as Regina and their leaves are more in the 2 feet range. That Regina is a beauty.
Did you get your pineapple guavas? If not, e-mail me if I could help you get them.
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on February 12, 2010
This is a beautiful plant and once you get it in a few years you can share it with others. Pumpkin
Posted by (RickBrown) on February 13, 2010
Reginas have performed well for us for 3 years in a shaded area that gets filtered light from pines and other broadleaf trees. During Luber season I check them daily as they are a Luber delicacy!
Posted by (RickBrown) on February 14, 2010
Penny, Home Depot had them when they were in bloom each year. The supplier is Delray Plants in Venus Fl. I think they will have them again in late spring or summer when they bloom. I will talk with them to see when.
Posted by (Janna) on February 15, 2010
Glad to hear that the Reginas will be available at Home Depot. Now we won’t have to pay ANY shipping
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on February 15, 2010
This is to Farmer Rick. Would it be possible when something special from your farm is shipping that you let The Dirt readers know 2 locations in Hillsborough county we could buy the plants? Now The Dirt readers know all your plants are special,we just want to have the heads up on the really special plants. Please. Thank you Farmer Rick. Pumpkin
Posted by (RickBrown) on February 16, 2010
Pumpkin
I can do that. Can I do a survey here? Which stores folks frequent most?
Posted by (kgardens) on February 16, 2010
I usually shop at the HD on Bloomingdale in Riverview near 301. But, I have been known to travel for a plant.
Posted by (Janna) on February 16, 2010
A heads-up on plant shipments would be great - thanks, Rick! I’m a frequent shopper at the Home Depot on North Dale Mabry (Northdale area) in Tampa…
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on February 16, 2010
Rick your the best! I shop at the HD at 275 & Dale Mabry,Florida Ave & Bush. Pumpkin
Posted by (shirlgirl) on February 16, 2010
This is for Farmer Ricks survey. I usually shop at the New Tampa Home Depot on Bruce B Downs by the interstate but I also like the one on Dale Mabry that was mentioned in the NorthDale area. It is really nice that you would help us all out with your information. Thanks again.
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on February 18, 2010
Penny, You read my mind, that’s why I asked for two so it could be fair for everyone. Pumpkin
Posted by (daylilyqueen) on February 22, 2010
Nifty looking plant and flower. Will have to get one.
Mary Lou Lundblade
Posted by (heartplants) on March 05, 2010
Bee you tee ful! I love the color and design. Wish I had one(or two, or three or…........)