Gladiolus cunonius

There’s something eerily cartoon-like about the blooms this strange, rare South African bulb. Do they look like vermillion mice? Toy airplanes? Crimson giraffes? I can’t decide, but they’re definitely neato! The upper petals are spoon-shaped & the lower ones are so diminished they’re barely there. Flowers arrive in early spring, growing to a height of 18”. This is a coastal species that thrives in sandy soil, so drainage is a must. Summer drought is also necessary.
Likely to be a hummingbird bonanza!

Claire Woods