Favorite Flowers–Peacock Orchids

After attending the Indianapolis Spring Garden Show at the Fairgrounds in March of this year I was very excited to try several new bulbs.  I had specifically looked for late summer and fall blooming additions looked forward to new blooms as other blooms in the garden were finished.

So when I came across this delicate looking bulb at a vendor I knew I had to try it.  If anything for the name, Peacock Orchids.  Anything with the name Peacock must be beautiful right?  I had seen these growing in masses in photographs from botanical gardens, but until this year have never grew them.

They came up rather quickly, with thin blades of grass like foliage.  They remained rather unnoticed for many weeks, taking up little space, and I had actually almost given up on them.  Then I had a gardening friend post pictures of hers blooming and I rushed out to check on mine…. sure enough it had several ready to open!

I instantly fell in love and watched it bloom for about 4 weeks from Mid-October until Mid-November.  I have been waiting for the foliage to die back and I will harvest the bulbs to dry in my basement to replant next spring.  I have plans to add it to several new places in my gardens.  I have been told I might try leaving it be, but I hate to risk loosing it.  It is hearty in zones 7 and above.  Below is more information, hope you will give it a try!

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Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Orchid, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily
Gladiolus murielae

Category:
Bulbs
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing:
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)

Sun Exposure:
Full Sun

Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Bloom Color:
Scarlet (Dark Red)
Maroon (Purple-Brown)
White/Near White

Bloom Time:
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall

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Happy Gardening….Brooke