Gladiolus byzantinus Whistling Jack - Byzantine Gladiolus

The true Byzantine Gladiolus, in Latin Gladiolus (x) byzantinus, nicknamed 'Whistling Jack' by the English, is a wonderful wild hybrid originating from Mediterranean regions. Perennial by its storage organ, this gladiolus is slimmer, more graceful, easier to integrate into the garden, and hardier than the large hybrid gladioli. It brings a slightly wild but equally colourful touch to sunny flowerbeds. Its flower spikes unfold in early summer or spring depending on the climate, bearing delicate flowers with a brilliant Tyrian pink colour that changes from red to violet. They make up large and long-lasting bouquets, also brightening up interiors. This gladiolus, well adapted to summer drought, can stay in the ground all winter in most of our regions.

The Byzantine Gladiolus is likely the result of cross-breeding between the Gladiolus dubius (the doubtful gladiolus) and the G. italicus (the harvest gladiolus), both Mediterranean plants. This wild hybrid grows spontaneously in Spain, Sicily, and North Africa. It is less fragile and more cold-resistant than its large South African cousins. Therefore, it is not necessary to uproot it before winter (unless your climate is very harsh). It appreciates well-drained, even sandy soil and full sun exposure. Like all Mediterranean geophyte plants, meaning they have organs that allow them to survive the winter buried in the ground, it blooms before the arrival of summer heat and rests in dry, even calcareous soil during summer.

Like its relatives, it has an upright habit and a very slender appearance. Flowering occurs from April to June depending on the climate, with an earlier onset in the south. It takes the form of solid but thin and flexible flower spikes that rise up to 60 cm (24in) from the ground. 8 to 15 flowers are gathered in spikes on the upper third of the stem. Their petals open into a 6 cm (2in) long funnel shape. Their lively and intense shades vary depending on their ripeness. Often in the range of pinks, they also flirt with red and violet around a beautiful white signal. They emerge from a bouquet of very long, simple, sword-shaped leaves. The name of this plant, gladiolus, comes from Latin: this term means "little sword". The leaves are green and have parallel veins. These leaves allow the plant to store its food reserves, so they should not be cut until they have completely dried out.

The intermediate size of the Byzantine Gladiolus allows it to blend in with clumps of ornamental grasses in large countryside-inspired flowerbeds. It can also be the focal point of a small ensemble, surrounded by perennial geraniums, white lilies, catmints, and moss phlox, for example. It looks stunning among perennial salvias like 'Serenade' or 'Mainacht', or Scilla peruviana. In a wild atmosphere inspired by Mediterranean coasts, combine it with Achillea umbellata or 'Hella Glashoff' yarrow. It is essential in a predominantly pink composition, taking over from irises and accompanying roses. If your region experiences harsh winters, growing it in a pot allows you to bring it indoors in a greenhouse or conservatory during winter.