I don't like gladiolas that much.
Thankfully there are other, easier-going types of gladiolas. They may not be as showy as those dramatic divas, but neither do they act like it. They are the smaller, hardier glads, such as the species Byzantine Gladiolus (Gladiolus communis ssp Byzanthinus), which I have in my garden.
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| Byzantine Gladioli |
Sometimes known as Sword Lily, Jacob's Ladder, or Turkish flag, Byzantine gladioli corms (similar to bulbs) are usually planted in fall and bloom their bright magenta flowers at the end of spring through early summer. They like full sun and well-drained soil, though they will tolerate part shade and even heavy clay if in a dryer area. Over time they multiply to form nice stands of flowers that I've seen the hummingbirds enjoy.
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| stands of Byzantine gladioli next to Geranium sanguineum |
According to Old House Gardens, less hardy imposters are sometimes sold under the name of Byzantine gladiolus, so you do have to buy them from a reputable source. (I've always bought mine from Brent and Becky's Bulbs.) I've grown this gladioli in both North Carolina and up here in Massachusetts and have had great success with it. I just plant the corms in fall and let them do their thing.
Beautiful gladiolas with little care from me?
That's a winner!
Oooh. Very nice. Is it fragrant?!
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are fragrant, which is too bad. Very beautiful, though!
DeleteHello Indie!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, very delicate flowers, their color enchanted me.
Greetings.
Lucja
Hi Lucja! They do look delicate, which I like.
DeleteI'm not familiar with this gladioli - thanks for introducing it! It has grace and beauty - looks great paired with Geranium sanguineum.
ReplyDeleteThe colors really complement each other well!
DeleteI bought some of these at a big box store this year and planted them, but nothing has come up yet -- we'll see... Yours look lovely, and so nice not to have to dig them. Best, -Beth
ReplyDeleteHope they come up for you! They are so low-maintenance - I've moved mine around and barely cared about them.
DeleteThe wild gladiolus we find on our mountain hikes I love. The florist's clumpy version not so much.
ReplyDeleteThey are so much more delicate looking, which is nice.
DeleteI'm not a gladiola fan, but I love these! I planted a few quite a few years ago, and they have come back every year since. I need to make a note to order more of these this fall; I've never seen the hummingbirds on them, but I'm not surprised they enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThese gladiolas are graceful and lovely, perfect for painting watercolors, and I'm not surprised the hummingbirds love them either.
DeleteThey would look lovely in watercolor!
DeleteYou know, I absolutely love gladiolas of all kinds. But they stopped liking my garden a few years back. So I stopped planting them. I don't know if it was the lighting or the increased heat, or what, but one of these days I'd like to try them again. They're so wonderful for cut floral arrangements! The Byzantine Glad is so graceful! Maybe I'll have to try it! :)
ReplyDeleteOh interesting - I wonder why? The Byzantine one seems to be pretty hardy. I've had it in different gardens, dug it up, moved it around, and generally abused it, but it keeps blooming.
DeleteThanks for introducing me to this plant! I would actually be able to grow it in my garden (if I had room).
ReplyDeleteHa, I'm starting to run out of room in my garden, too! I keep tearing up more lawn. Thankfully these don't take up much room.
DeleteThis is a new one for me! Thanks for the info. I don't usually care for glads, but this one appeals to me. The color is striking.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely color in the garden, and it blooms at a time when I don't have a lot of other things going on.
DeleteA new plant to me and it's a delight. I love the showiness of glads but think that they're probably most easily grown in the vegetable garden in rows where they can be staked easily. They always remind me of big old-fashioned floral arrangements. A favorite in my Alaska garden but I've not grown them for 30 years. Easier to just buy a few at the grocery store when they're in season.
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