Gladiolus carneus var. albidus - Painted lady

Gladiolus carneus var. albidus is a botanical gladiolus originating from South Africa. It is perfectly adapted to Mediterranean-style climates, where its corms can be left in the ground during winter. This modest-sized plant bears delicate, fine flowers, maculated with carmine on a rosy white background. It blooms in spring in mild gardens, or in summer if planted in spring. Smaller, more graceful, and easier to integrate into the garden than larger hybrids, it brings an elegant touch to sunny flower beds. Its floral spikes also make charming bouquets. Outside the Mediterranean zone, it is best to grow it in pots.

Gladiolus carneus var. albidus is a paler form of carnation gladiolus. This cormous plant is native to the Western Cape, a region in South Africa where summers are dry and winters are mild and humid. It faithfully returns each year if the soil is dry in summer. This variety prefers well-drained, even sandy soil, and full sun. Like many geophytic plants (meaning they have organs that help them survive winter underground), it blooms before the arrival of summer heat and then rests in dry soil.

As with its cousins, it has an upright habit and a very slender appearance. Flowering occurs from June to August, depending on the climate, and is earlier in mild regions. It takes the form of sturdy but thin and flexible flower spikes that rise up to 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) from the ground. The flowers, 4cm (2in) in diameter, are gathered in groups of 3 to 8 spikes at the top of the stem. Each flower consists of 3 small petals surmounting 3 larger and wider sepals that open into a funnel shape. Their colour is a pale iridescent pink, with carmine pink spots near the base of the sepals. The flower spikes emerge from a cluster of very long, simple, upright, sword-shaped leaves. Gladiolus gets its name from the shape of its sword-like leaves, derived from the Latin word gladius. The leaves are green and have parallel veins. These leaves help the plant replenish its food reserves, so they should not be cut until they have completely dried. The "bulb" here is a corm covered by a tunic. It needs a dry resting period to bloom well. It multiplies spontaneously by the formation of daughter bulbs.

Gladiolus carneus var. albidus can be used in the same way as larger hybrids, in the garden or in bouquets. Its modest stature allows it to blend in among clumps of low grasses in borders. It can also serve as the focal point of a small ensemble, surrounded by Madonna lilies, Nepeta 'Cat's Pyjamas', and moss phlox, for example. It looks stunning amidst perennial sage varieties like Serenade or Mainacht. In a Mediterranean setting, pair it with Achillea umbellata or 'Hella Glashoff' yarrow. In regions that experience harsh winters and rainy summers, grow it in a pot which can be placed in a greenhouse or conservatory during winter and/or summer.