Even non-gardeners are familiar with the robust hybrid gladiolus, a staple offering at the cheap end of floristry and often planted in awkward rows and tied to stakes for want of anything better to do with them. If ever there was a case for turning your back on hybrid flowers and immersing yourself in the purity of the original species from which they were derived, it is surely the wonderful genus that is Gladiolus.
This large group of cormous plants in the family Iridaceae contains an incredible array of exquisite sculptural blooms and startling colour combinations. Not all of them are easy to obtain or cultivate, but among the most reliable is a South African beauty named Gladiolus tristis.
The Lady of the Night
Despite a rather unfortunate scientific name (tristis signifies "sad" or "mournful", and whoever named this species was clearly not having a good day!), this plant is a joy to behold. In its native South Africa it is called the Marsh Afrikaner, and - somewhat obscurely - also goes by the name of the Ever-flowering Gladiolus. Perhaps the most descriptive and certainly by far the most romantic title bestowed on this flower is the Spanish Dama de Noche, or Lady of the Night.
Winter Green and Spring Blooming
In habitat, Gladiolus tristis grows in seasonally damp or marshy areas and along stream banks, where it sometimes forms sizeable colonies. It is a winter-growing species that produces its foliage in Autumn to make the most of the southern winter rains. The genus name Gladiolus means "sword" and refers to the distinctive, broad flat leaves of many species. Gladiolus tristis, however, has angular, rush-like leaves that are oddly twisted into a loose spiral.
Each mature corm usually produces three leaves, and a group of these plants when not in flower is more reminiscent of a grass than a gladiolus. However, come Spring, the Lady of the Night shows her true qualities. Each slender flowering stem is 60 cm in height and bears from two to eight flaring blooms up to 7 centimeters across. These have six diamond-shaped tepals (the collective botanical term for petals and sepals) and are usually of a soft, creamy yellow colour, with a central green or purple marking. The whole effect, especially when seen en masse, is almost that of a group of lilies rather than what we usually expect from a gladiolus.
It is at dusk that Gladiolus tristis reveals its true glory. Not only do the pale flowers glow in the twilight, but as the night deepens, so does the glorious perfume that inspired that exotic Spanish accolade. Light coloration and nocturnal perfume are typical features of this and other plants that are pollinated by night-flying moths. However, some clones of Gladiolus tristis are unscented so it is wise to ascertain the variety before purchasing corms.
Cultivation
Growing Gladiolus tristis is simplicity itself. The corms can be planted in a sheltered position outside, in well drained soil in full sun, wherever they are not likely to be exposed to frost. They can, in fact, tolerate sub-zero temperatures but in cold climates it is much better to cultivate them in large pots which can be overwintered in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.
Plant the corms in Autumn at a depth of 10 centimeters. Because the plants produce such narrow leaves, they can be planted relatively close together to give the maximum effect when in flower. During the winter growing period they can be watered freely and will appreciate a regular feed with a liquid food high in phosphate.
The advantage of growing in pots is that these can be positioned by an open door when in flower, so that the perfume can fill the house. After the foliage has died down in early summer, store the corms completely dry until it is time to plant them again.
Propagation
If the plants have produced seed, these can be saved and sown the following Autumn. The small, papery brown seeds should be distributed thinly on the surface of a good, gritty seed compost then covered with a fine layer of sifted medium. Place the pots in a cool, frost free greenhouse or in a suitable location indoors and do not allow them to dry out.
If you already have plants, however, there is little need to grow more from seed. At the end of the growing period each old corm produces two or even more replacements. Not only this, but small cormlets are produced in profusion around the base of flowering sized corms, and these can be grown on in the same way as adult plants. If all goes well, you will have so many in a year or two that your friends and neighbours will likewise be sharing in the delights of the Lady of the Night.
References
Pacific Bulb Society: South African Gladiolus Eight: Gladiolus tristis www.pacificbulbsociety.org
Peter Ashby - Peter Ashby lives near Granada in southern Spain, is an expert on natural history, and a dedicated traveller, writer and hispanist.
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