Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Glorious gladiolus



An unknown previous owner of our house—who it was and how long ago, I’ll never know--planted these amazing byzantine gladioli more than 20 years ago. They faithfully show off their screaming magenta blooms for about a week every April.

Because I usually choose to plant drought-tolerant perennials for our front yard garden, I’m particularly thrilled when this hardy gladiolus byzantinus returns.



9 comments:

NotSoAngryRedHead said...

Wow. Those are better than irises. I've been planting gladiolas recently, and I hope to have as great of a show as that. Very pretty!!

TexasDeb said...

What a great pop of color. I'm guessing that week goes by all too quickly...

Anonymous said...

Great show, Iris! I just planted my first byzantine glads last year, so I have my first blooms right now. How wonderful that you have 20 year old heirloom bulbs in such a large number. They ARE gorgeous.

Pam/Digging said...

I don't usually care for that color, but it looks smashing against the calm blue of your house. How nice that you inherited these glamorous beauties, and that they're tough enough to return year after year.

ConsciousGardener said...

I love the color of those Glads! I popped onto your site from Vertie's...great blog!

Cheryl

Bird said...

Very lovely! They look nice with your purple house. I love the color! :-)

Iris said...

Thanks for the compliments, y'all! I'm so grateful that someone planted those bulbs so long ago and can hardly believe they're still going strong.

I'm guessing that it's the same person who planted the oxbloods and paperwhites that also faithfully bloom for a week every year.

Rock rose said...

Iris- I don't have a single iris in my garden but I sure would like some of those. it looks like they grow in a nice clump. Do they stay with good foliage all summer? I think I'm going to dig up a few of my son's iris when I go up to Dallas- He has the regular purple ones but I think it's time I had some. Ar you joining us on the tour tomorrow?

Iris said...

Jenny,

The foliage doesn't stay green and pretty all summer (turns straw-colored), but I've never really paid attention to watering it then, which I'll try this summer.

I'm so sorry I'm missing out tomorrow, but it's my birthday weekend and we've had other plans for awhile. Hope y'all have fun, and I look forward to pictures, etc.