THE CULT OF THE GLADIOLUS

Evening Star, Issue 21316, 21 January 1933, Page 21

THE CULT OF THE GLADIOLUS

Ono could bo forgiven for assuming that Dame Nature was in hectic mood when deciding the colour schemes wherewith to endow modern strains of gladioli. The dazzling brilliance of the ground colours, together with the magnificent markings, mottlings, and blotches with which the stately spikes of large, well-expanded flowers are adorned causes us to doubt if these latter-day varieties can possibly bo of the same race as the “ sword lilies ” of our schooldays. Certain it is that the vividly contrasting colours—some that most of us would fear to bring together—seem to bo quite natural when displayed on the largo shapely blooms of these surprisingly beautiful flowers, and give to the blooms that powerful appeal which has gained for them a foremost place in the gardens of to-day. . . , , t Bub if some varieties arc noted for brilliant and bizarre colouring, there are others of more dainty and softly refined tones which appeal just as strongly, although in quite a different manner. For indoor decorations the gladiolus has few peers. The modern home calls for flowers that are boldly beautiful, and, provided suitable foliage is used and the arrangement sufficiently artistic, few other flowers call forth exclamations of admiration and delight more than is the case when visitors behold a well-displayed bowl or vase of well-grown gladioli—more especially if one variety alone is used in each instance and due regard is given to the suitability of the colour scheme to blond pleasingly with the surroundings. In that respect gladioli offer a range of colours so extensive that little trouble is experienced in obtaining just the desired shade for any particular purpose. The colours range from the softest of rose, heliotrope, primrose, and salmon shades right through various tonings of deep pink to orange, scarlet, crimson, and maroon, whilst golden yellow, purple, or blue are also represented, either as self colours or with markings and mottlings m contrasting colours, making in all a colour range not excelled by any other flower. , , ~ Is it any wonder, then, that the gladiolus baa caught and held the admiration and attention of the gardenloving community? The conns may be planted at almost any period in the warmer climates with every prospect of success, and if successive plantings are made at intervals of every three or four weeks blooms may bo had almost the whole year round, but care should bo taken to prevent the flowers which are borne m hot, dry weather from being subjected to drying winds and the hottest of the sun’s rays. This can he accomplished by planting in an aspect that gets only tho morning sun and ih sheltered iioni strong winds. ~ . ... People who reside in places "men suffer from long, severe winters must plant during early spring, so that the flowers are borne during the mildest period. Tho richest colouring, the largest blooms, and the greatest number of perfect flowers open at one time are attained when flowering takes place during cool weather. Tho gladiolus adapts itself to almost all classes of soils, but is best served by n rich, light soil that is free at planting time from new animal manure or highly concentrated fcrtiliseis. If a hod is heavily manured for a previous crop and is then dug over and well cultivated for a short period, without tho addition of further manures, it will be found ideal to produce excellent results. , Tho conus should bo planted dooply. If tho soil is light a full-sized conn should bo planted from four to six inches under the surface. In rather stiff soil half that depth will bo suffi- : cicnt. It is advisable to plant in i groups—say, from three to six conns in ouch group, using one variety only. The reason is that the different varieties take varying periods to produce their blooms, so if the groups are made up of mixed kinds tho result is that the (lower spikes arc produced ono at a time and never create such a spectacular display ns is the case when mini hors of spikes are out in bloom at one and the same time. . Another advantage of planting in groups, with from ISin to 2ft separatum the groups, is that the surface of the bed can be massed with petunias, phlox, verbenas, or any similar bedding plants. The gladioli then push up 'their lordly flower spikes from amongst the greenery and flowers of the bedding subjects, and produce an

effect that would bo very difficult to surpass. When the gladioli cease flowering they can be rested for a few weeks, then they can be removed and the bedding plants continue the good work; thus the bed is induced to work overtime and produce flowers to greatest possible purpose.