Gladiolus splendens

Splendid indeed! Stifly upright 2' plus stems with rows of vivid carmine blooms arrive in February & March on this very little known Glad. Overall, the species is similar, but larger in all aspects to G. cunonius. Like cunonius, the flowers are oddly un-Gladiola like - shaped like small red birds, with diminished lower tepals. The flowers are perfectly formed & colored to attract South Africa's gorgeous sunbirds, but it should be just as effective at attracting North America's lovely hummingbirds. A no-brainer to grow, not needing rich soil, or much more than rain, & a beautiful cut flower. Grow in pots or in the ground. A dry period during Summer dormancy is recommended, but I suspect not mandatory, since this species is often found near streams in the wild.

Claire Woods
Propagator