180 THE GLADIOLUS. 



There are, however, two gladiolus, natives of Europe 

 and Asia, which are hardy, and only require to be planted 

 in common soil in the bulb-border about two inches deep, 

 where they will flower, if undisturbed, for years, and 

 rapidly increase by offsets. 



G. communis. — A native of the south of Europe, and 

 very common in gardens. The flowers are dull reddish- 

 purple, produced on one side of a short stalk. The plant 

 is perfectly hardy, and increases rapidly by offsets. There 

 are varieties with white and flesh-colored flowers, which are 

 desirable. While a clump of this species is very pretty, the 

 flowers are too small and dull-colored to make it very effec- 

 tive in the garden. Its great recommendation is its hardiness. 



O, Byzantium. — This species, as its name implies, is a 

 native of the region near Constantinople. The flowers 

 much resemble those of G. communis^ but are larger, are 

 produced on both sides of the stalk, and have yellow stripes 

 down the lower petals. The species is hardy, and requires 

 only common garden-culture, but does not increase readily. 

 Both this and G. communis need a sunny situation to bloom 

 well. 



Of other fine species, many of which are hardy in 

 England, but with us are grown in the greenhouse, bloom- 



