Gladiolus carmineus

This rare, Autumn blooming species is quite a jewel! Like many of its brethren, it’s a Summer dormant, Winter growing bulb, so it naturalizes with our California rainfall. It’s a far cry from its cousins - the ubiquitous hybrid Glads that are so garish and top heavy. This bulb flowers in Autumn - before it leafs out - with dark pink starry flowers on one foot tall stems, with lower petals variably marked with whites, reds and pinks. Leaves are grey-green, low lying, and curved, arching over the edge of the pot like ribbons. Doesn’t crowd out others, like some naturalizers, either! (You know who you are, Watsonia!) It’s a fascinating pot subject or rock garden delicacy, and like many Summer dormant bulbs is invaluable for those of us who are without large garden spaces! I garden on a 2nd floor balcony, and my downstairs neighbors don’t appreciate being “rained on!” Gardening diplomacy is always a plus!

Claire Woods