Gladiolus gracilis

Gladiolus gracilis

Family: Iridaceae

Common names: Blue Pypie

Slender cormous geophyte up to 45cm. About four narrow leaves 50cm long that are often rolled inwards giving a cylindrical appearance. Fragrant flowers are 30mm long are pale blue, occasionally pale pink to mauve, with purple and yellow streaks on the lower sepals.

Sowing instructions: Seed is sown in autumn, thinly, in deep (min. 10 cm) seed trays, to allow for root development. The soil medium should be well drained, a recommended mix being 2 parts sand: 2 parts compost: 1 part loam or equal parts sand and compost, and the seeds should be planted 3-4 mm deep, covered with clean sand and kept moist and lightly shaded.

Locality: Saldanha. Harvest: December 2024