Gladiolus alatus
(4/1/2010) This plant has striking orange and yellow flowers born on relatively short 6″ to 8″ stems. This is a small, subtle flower that needs a special, elevated position in the garden where it can be readily viewed.
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| The plant originates from South Africa. It blooms in the Spring and goes dormant in the summer when it should be left to go dry. Flowers are short lived – about one week. |  |
(06/28/2010) Just to make a point about letting this Gladiolus go dry during the summer months – the flower started to quickly wither about a month after the first blooms. Once the leaves turned brown I withheld water and placed the pot in an out of the way corner of the garden. As you can see in the picture to the right, the flower is now just parched stubble. I give the pot a little bit of water about once a month so it does not completely dry out. I have to admit that I have problems letting a flower go this dry and I have to resist the temptation to water it more regularly. Hopefully by January or February I’ll see new growth. |
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