Gladiolus watermeyeri

Wowie! These glads are amazing. The upper petals are white with red veining, while the lower ones are yellow. Pretty fancy! And fragrant too. Some say they smell of violets, to me they have the sweet smell of Dr. Pepper! Whatever it reminds you of, you are sure to love it. It is one of the most hauntingly wonderful flower scents I have ever smelled. This Gladiolus has even been investigated for possible use in the perfume industry. I'd certainly buy that perfume! Native to South Africa & found growing in sandy soil so it definitely needs a well-drained position. Growing about 12” tall, this glad is excellent for pot culture. Planted in well draining soil, it can survive on just winter rainfall here on the West Coast. In fact, it needs a dormant period in Summer where it receives no water. At this point the pot can be put out of sight in a corner of the garden & brought out again with the fall rains when they will begin to re-sprout.