Gladiolus

摘要

New, compact varieties are helping to bring this once-ostracised plant back into fashion. Gladiolus is enjoying a long-awaited renaissance. There was a time when they were so unpopular that they were relegated entirely to the show bench and people were horrified at the idea that they should be used in the garden. Adventurous gardeners, enlightened designers and some very dedicated breeders have helped gladioli to make a return. There are around 150 species of Gladiolus, ranging from South Africa through to Europe and Asia. Species found from the lattertwo areas tend to be hardy, while the South African species are mostly tender and need some form of protection if grown outside. Hardy gladioli tend to have summer dormancy and grow through the winterto flower in the spring. Their hybrid cousins are planted in the spring to flower in the summer, then lifted in autumn for frost-free storage.