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 Malk. 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. 



G. 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- 



