Tropicals & Tender Perennials: 'Phoenix' bird or paradise, 1 by dyzzypyxxy

dyzzypyxxy wrote:
Phil, try the gladioli in big pots instead of in the ground, or really amend wherever you plant them with compost and potting mix. Bulbs like that need a lot of water when they're putting up flower spikes and blooming. The native soil just doesn't hold enough water unless you water them like 3 times a day. Also thrips really like gladioli, and they're tough to prevent.

I had better luck with Acidanthera - common name Peacock Orchid or Peacock Gladiolus. They are NOT orchids or glads, but the flowers are gorgeous and they last longer than glads. Beautiful white flowers with burgundy throats, and they're fragrant. You're also more likely to find the bulbs available around here. They still need lots of water while they're growing and making buds.

To be honest, most of those bulbs bloom for such a short time here I've given up on them. For all the work of growing them, you get about 2 or 3 weeks blooms then all you've got is the ripening foliage to deal with. Buying cut flowers is less work.

My favorite for this climate are cannas. They keep putting up new stems and blooming all summer and have gorgeous tropical-looking foliage. This year they've bloomed a little bit right through winter, too. But they really love the heat. They also come in all the hot colors that you like.

Cheers Elaine