Horticulture talk reveals magnificence of gladiolus

MAY is the prime time to plant gladiolus corms, so for the members and visitors of the Frome Selwood Horticulture Society (FSHS), it was also perfect timing for a talk on the genus, of which there are over 300 species.  

The society reports, “Gill Hazell from Clutton posed the question, ‘So you think you know gladiolus?’ Patently there was much to learn, not least that if you grow row upon row of thousands of gladiolus corms in sandy trenches, you are inviting the pheasant population to follow behind and remove all the identification labels! 

“Gill and her late husband, John, took showing at Clutton Flower Show to such an extreme that they actually bought the local gladiolus and sweet pea business in the 1990s along with a mailing list.  Then they had to learn fast.  

“From the South African species which grow 45cms tall in the wild, but which need to be grown on in glass houses in the UK; to the Mediterranean species, notably Gladiolus Byzantinus which grow outdoors but need shelter; to the many hybridised species, ‘Grandiflorus’, ‘Primulines’ and ‘Nanus’ which make very good cut flowers for display, gladiolus demonstrate beauty in multi-colour and form.  

“Sometimes called the “sword lily” on account of the spectacular flower spikes and long stem, evolution is seen in part by the hybrid Gladiolus cardinalis/waterfall. It was discovered in the middle of a waterfall with the adaption of a hood over the top petal. Gladiolus tristis is a very special winter growing gladiolus with a wonderful scent in the evenings. Thus explains its pollination by moths. 

“Gill advised how we can increase stock by lifting the corms and removing the cormlets to produce one healthy corm.  She also advised what judges are looking for at shows: the rule of Thirds, a third of the stem in full flower, a third opening and a third closed; and how flowers should meet the size criteria for class, from the small Primulimus head to the large Green Star flower head.  

“The business has since been sold, but it was with gratitude to her devotion that Richard Robinson proposed the vote of thanks.” 

The Frome Selwood Horticulture Society meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LD, for a topical talk. Starts prompt at 7.15pm. 

New members and visitors welcome. Tea and raffle and many friends to meet. Please contact Jane on 0777 6208531 or jane.norris9@gmail.com for more information.

Picture: Gill Hazell gave the Frome Selwood Horticulture Society a talk titled, ‘So you think you know gladiolus?’.