Evening star., 1961-01-29

it could be said that they were
developed too soon and before
there was the demand for the
smaller-flowering varieties. The
flower stalks Of the baby glads
seldom exceeded 18 inches and
some varieties are only IL
inches tall. Some Of the baby
glads were given a botanical
name such as G. nanus, but
since they were developed by
Colville it is better that they
carry the general designation
of Colvillei hybrids.
Butterfly Glads
Still newer and much in
vogue today are the butterfly
glads. The medium -sized flow
ers are characterized by a con-
trasting color blotch. Undoubt-
edly the butterfly glads will
achieve widespread popularity
II they continue to be free from
destructive diseases. Too often
the introductions from other
countries fall victims to our
diseases. While the butterfly
glads are comparatively new
there are a number Of varieties
with a generous color range.
They are slightly smaller in
growth as well as flower-size
than the usual American varie-
ties.
Double-f -flowered glads are, I
believe. even newer than the
butterfly form. Coming from
Minnesota, the home Of many
glad breeders. this new type has
some Of the better colors and
blends which have been so pop
ular in recent years. Certainly
the many petaled flowers give
more Of a mass color effect
than do the plain petaled ex-
hibition varieties unless they
have more than the usual num-
ber Of florets open at a time.
OF course. there are several
varieties Of doubles available,
the new ones this year are Or
child Driftwood. Elizabeth Ken
ny and Springtime.
Dragon and Others =.
Some Of the minor forms are
the so-called dragon glads
which have spurs in the backs
Of the norets. The bird-of- :
paradise varieties have long
strap-like petals. some Of which
are curled. Then there are the
species and the near relations
which have some resemblance
to the gladiolus. No doubt
many are familiar with the G.
primulus. the early type Of
glads with the hooded petal
almost hiding the throat.
They were soon superseded
by the grandiflorus, which in
reality is the everyday form we
now see. However. I still like
Miss Bloomington. a yellow
flowered primulinus of yester-
year that was most prolific.
But to continue our listing
Of all forms, we must not leave
out G.. segetum and G. byzan-
tinus, q foot growers with
small well placed purplish
flowers that will be q challenge
to any gardener. They should
be planted in the fall and well
mulched to prevent winter in
jury. OF course. they flower
much earlier than is normal for
the spring planted types. G.
tristis concolor and the kissing
cousin" Acidanthera, have q
common standout value, they
are the most fragrant Of the
glads. g. tristis is a pale yellow
while the Acidanthera has
white flowers with q conspic-
uous blotch.
Plant In q Series
That covers the field for
these sun-loving corms that are
best grown for cutflowers-they
just do not have enough foliage
for the flower border. And,
for q long season Of bloom they
should be planted every week
or two from late March to mid
summer. While. they do best
in a sandy soil, they will thrive
in any good garden loan. Plant
them in a trench about 4
inches deep but only cover with
2 inches of soil at the time
Of planting. Space the corms
2 to 4 inches apart. Feed
well and water as needed for
best results. A good mulch is
highly beneficial. The taller
growing varieties need support
when the heavy flower spikes
begin to form.