acidanthera

I bought these bulbs at Home Depot last week. I can't find them in the plant files! What are they, when they're at home? Most important, how hardy are they?

Thanks!

xxx, Carrie

They are now called Gladiolus callianthus. They are said to be hardy to zone 7, but I have a friend who has overwintered them successfully in the ground here.

http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/756/index.html

Carrie
I take mine out of the soil to overwinter...I'm in zone 9...so I'm probarbly being too careful.
however - what you need to know is that they produce an amazing amount of cormels!

If I left them in the ground they would surely be classed as invasive - but this is in zone 9 and may not be the same for you. (I would be interested if anyone else has the same experience)
This year I am going to keep them under control...in a pot!

Don't let this put you off - the flowers are truly beautiful
Sue

Thanks, guys.

xxxxx, Carrie

Carrie, they are great flowers! Consider them to be very much like any other gladiola as far as the plant shape and structure, but the flowers are wonderful! They are extremely fragrant and beautiful. Some people grow them in large urns around their front door, just for the fragrance when people walk up.

Sounds wonderful! I love that "sword-like foliage", too. By the front door won't work because it's on a hill, but the patio is ready and so is the pot. The soil is in a bag frozen outside and etc. so I think I'll try them on my patio later on, in the actual spring.

xxx, Carrie