I don't know about injuring their roots. I'm sure not an expert on growing them. I've planted lots but only have the 1 living. Late last fall I ordered a bunch on Brent and Becky's sale so I hope they made it through the winter and they come up.
Maybe they're one of those plants like Rancunculus (sp?) that grow like crazy weeds one place and not at all in another.

Yeah, we live off a lake that gets lowered every winter, we live off an inlet that is quite large but only has a trickle of water until April. It's interesting to walk in the dry inlet, and EVERY time we do I kick at the sand/gravel (nothing grows there) and say, "look at this fertile river soil!" and cackle. My DH will never live down his big garden soil purchase (evil laugh)

That explains a lot, Neal. I get a lot of return the first year on glads and then they're gone, and that explains why.

Hey, did I ever tell you I like this cubit, LOL. I'm learning a lot here.

I'm not sure what you mean by species glads, could you give some examples (or photos??)

Susan, the species glads aren't hybrids, wildflowers that occur mostly in Africa. The modern hybrid glads hardly even resemble the naturally occurring species any more. There is a graceful, airy quality about them that has been lost in the stiff, modern hybrids we're used to seeing.

Barb, how cold does it get in winter there? I wonder if some areas of the deep south would suite winter blooming species? I'm going to send these that I started from seed to 4paws, who is living in Florida now- I think she'll have a good chance of seeing them do their thing in the garden.

What are the so called "hardy" glads?
Ones like Atom?
They seem to be closer to species, I think some of them are Gladiolus nanus?

usually a day or night of freezing temps......down into the mid 20's usually. sometimes a week of cold temps. i am not the "deep" south though. vossner is in the deep south.

go look at that telos link lakeside. species glads are exquisite. and yes they look more like the hardy glads nanus.

Susan, I meant to re-post this link for you to see the pics and forgot. Not enough coffee yet, LOL

http://www.telosrarebulbs.com/...

I think you're right, the "hardy glads" are closer to the species. I have 'Atom' in the garden, and they've returned for 3 years running- I love them!

Wow, I knew Telos had very unusual stuff, but what a selection!
Too bad they don't bloom during the summer, I wonder if you could get them to switch seasons?

just got an email from telos......they NEVER give discounts. lol.

I vote for Gladiolas. I mean, ok they are called corms. So what's a corm but a flat bulb LOL!!!! My dad used to grow glads when I was a kid and I grow some most summers. The other year I found the Glamini Glads from VB Wholesale and bought lots of them. Just LOVED them! The colors were wondefrul and they are only about half as tall as regular glads. The flowers are slightly smaller in scale with the shorter stalks but they look great. They are much easier to find the right spot for not being as big. Plus I don't even stake them. This year, thats all I am getting, not even ordering any of the regular sized glads.

How about Brent and Becky, Barb? They used to sell wholesale, so they might do a co-op.

I'd like to try some of those Glamini Glads, saw some pics of them in containers and they looked awesome. Usually I just see them available as mixed colors, does anyone sell them by individual color?

Van Bourgodien does. I would never order plants from them, but I just had to have those Glamini glads last year, and I didn't really keep track, but it appeared they were all true to the pictures.

http://www.dutchbulbs.com/sear...


Brecks has them also.

http://brecks.com/product.asp?...

Actually I think Van B and Brecks and those kind of places are the only ones that carry them. Can't wait for Ednie or some of them to get them.

I just got the mixed colors from VB. The colors were absolutely stunning. Going to order there again for this year.

Thanks Polly! Oooohh, I want the collection of all of them!

That's what I got.

polly do the glamini's overwinter outside where you are?

I doubt it, Barb. Last year was the first year I had them, and I didn't dig them, so we'll see, but I doubt it. Most glads don't.

Totally intrigued with this plant! Growing in a container and dug by the roots in a tuberous clump. I was moving and had to dig every and anything I could. Therefore if it weren't for the roots/tubers/rhizomes. Wouldn't have any of these first we have...anybody want to guess?


Second pic..Virginia bluebells