Hardy Gladiolus

Information on bulbs and corm flowers of Hardy Gladiolus.

Hardy Gladiolus

Some attention is to be given in this page to Hardy Gladioli, but for remarks on the kinds of Gladiolus mostly cultivated in beds and pots.

"The wild European species, Gladiolus communis, is perfectly hardy in England, and delights the eye in summer by its tapering spikes of bright red
flowers. The bulbs are corms, like those of the Crocus, and only require separation and replanting at intervals of several seasons. Of late years several foreign and highly ornamental species of Gladioli have been introduced, and from these not a few showy hybrids have been raised. They are all more or less tender, safest under pot culture, or in raised beds covered by shutters or sashes in winter, requiring light soil and the complete absence of moisture during their period of rest. If ventured out in the open ground, they must have a well-drained spot, and be covered in winter with 6 inches of dry litter, sawdust, or withered leaves. Established thus, they bloom magnificently, but there is always the danger that some unusually severe frost, or extraordinary continuance of cold and wet, may destroy the whole collection. Deservedly admired specimens are G. cardinalis, psittacinus, grandiflorus, gandavensis, blandus, versicolor, Colvillei, and ringens, besides varieties and hybrids too numerous to specify here"

If the experiment of permanent planting of the delicate Gladioli is tried, it should be in south-wall borders, or very sunny rock-gardens, and dry dead leaves should be heaped over them during winter.

Another author, of even earlier date, gave this description :

Gladiolus communis

The common corn flag (Gladiolus communis) is too tall a flower to be overlooked, and it has a long spike of bells, of elegant shape and bright pink colour. Several varieties of this species are in cultivation, but some of the less general kinds are more brilliant. The superb corn flag (Gladiolus cardinalis) has rich scarlet flowers, spotted with white, and the different orange coloured species are very showy. Almost all our garden Gladioli are natives of the Cape of Good Hope ; but these flowers are not limited to that part of Africa, but are to be found scattered over the vast deserts of that country. Backhouse describes one which he saw in Caffraria, which had dense spikes of flowers of a dingy hue, covered with minute purple spots ; and other travellers have named them as blooming in all shades of yellow, pink, and brown colours, among the brilliant blossoms which enliven these arid lands. They have bulbous roots and long sword-shaped leaves : the latter suggested their botanic name, from gladiolus, a sword/

The common Corn Flag, as a matter of fact, is gay magenta-red, and very worthy of culture. If the reader can obtain quantities of different hardy species, and add them to his Herbaceous Border and Rockeries, he will provide a treat annually for himself and his friends !

Gladiolus segetum, rosy cerise, is a delightful shade for filling table vases.

The Galtonia, mostly known as Hyacinthus candi- cans, a hardy plant of often more than four-foot stature, sends up spikes of handsome fragrant white blossoms from June to October. It may also be cultivated in pots, one bulb put into each pot of six-inch size, in March, or more in tubs, and given the same culture as the Hyacinth, to which it is really not related. Any sunny border will suit it. Planted 6 inches deep it will adorn the place for many years without needing more care than a share in the winter and spring mulches, the waterings and manurial feedings bestowed upon its neighbours.

Day Lilies, Hemerocallis, are hardy herbaceous plants that give rich gold or bronze blooms. They may be grown in the garden, or are useful in pots. Keep almost dry during winter, in cold frames.

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