GLADIOLUS. Europe, Africa, Madagascar. The species and primary hybrids described below are as distinct from the modern garden glads as species roses are from today’s hybrid teas. They have erect, narrow leaves and carry several large, often beautifully colored, trumpet shaped blossoms on each slender stem. Sun or light shade, most soils, little or no watering after the leaves wither. Hardy to 20^oF. or below; those which grow actively through the winter months are the more vulnerable to hard freezes.

byzantinus (communis ssp. byzantinus). A robust plant with closely packed underground corms. Stems 2’ or more tall rise above iris-like leaves to display many blossoms painted rose-coral and white. Our plants have bloomed mostly in early spring, but at times have two complete cycles of growth and bloom per year.

palustris. This is a central European species, growing and flowering in spring and summer. The stems are 1-1½’ high, with narrow dark green leaves. The flowers are nearly bell-shaped though pinched a little laterally, vivid magenta in color. It is winter-deciduous and hardy to 0^oF. or less.