I have heard that associations of the "First Lady of Australia" often turns some gardeners off growing this wonderful flower, which just shows that they do not have a sense of humor.
Over the years I have come to really like these summer flowering bulbs (or corms) with their swordlike spiky foliage and upright flowers that flowers through the dog days of August, where the roses seem to take a break before the fall flush.
My favorite Gladioli are those with purple or hot Pink flowers like 'Violetta' or 'Plumtart'. They are like other summer flowering bulbs very easy to grow. Just plant the bulbs/corms 6-8 inches deep in the spring when the risk of frost is over. I use them as fillers in mixed borders - planting them in groups of 10-15 corms. I enjoy the elegant foliage in June and July, that looks like a broad leafed ornamental grass, before the swordlike flower stalks appear and begin to bloom in August and September.
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5 comments:
Glads are gorgeous flowers, and I don't believe I've ever seen a purple one! When I was married many moons ago, the church was decorated with glads in salmon, yellow and white. :)
That purple gladiolus is stunning. As for the First Lady of Australia association, that makes it even better, doesn't it? You get a gorgeous flower, and a bit of a giggle. (But then, I'm not Australian.)
I'm a recent convert to glads, and your First Lady of Australia is getting me in deeper. Amusingly, I just put up a piece praising glad foliage (among others); I never would have thought I'd like it, either. Just goes to show, people (and tastes) really do change.
That color purple is so vivid and beautiful. I don't think I have seen anything like that before. I look forward to reading more of your blog--you have lovely photos by the way.
Susie
My favorite glads are the blues and purples too! I just love the depth of color in yours. So beautiful!
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
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