Description
Gladiolus flanaganii (Iridaceae). Suicide lily. One of the most beautiful flowers with two inch wide, brilliant red blooms opening on short spikes with up to seven flowers appearing in succession on each spike. This rare and unusual Gladiolus species is found growing on cliff faces in the high Drakensberg of South Africa where it is called the ?Suicide Lily? because of its preferred habitat of cliffs where attempts to collect it, or it’s seed can lead to death! Easy to grow, Gladiolus flanaganii is summer blooming and tolerant of summer water before going dormant in late summer. It is often grown in good-sized clay pots with well draining soil. Sowing : Sow seeds at any time covering them with compost or grit 5mm deep, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and will sometimes actually prevent germination so be very patient. Many species will only actually germinate in the spring after a good chilling or freezing in the moist seed tray in the winter. Locality : Sani Pass. Date of harvest : April 2014
