106 BULBS AND TUBEROUS-BOOTED PLANTS. 



general appearance in form and color. It is a native of 

 the east coast of South Africa, a much warmer climate 

 than that at the Cape, yet the bulbs are more nearly 

 hardy in our climate. 



G. albidus (White Gladiolus). — This is the nearest 

 to a pure white flower of any of the species, haying no 

 color except very light stains on the backs of the petals, 

 before they expand. It is a low growing sort, the spikes 

 furnishing usually but three flowers, large and Well 

 opened. It is rarely seen in cultivation. This is un- 

 doubtedly one of the parents of G. Colvillei alba (The 

 Bride). 



G. angustus (Narrow-leaved). — One of the first 

 species introduced, and one of the least attractive. The 

 flowers are small, of a dingy white color. 



G. aphyllus (Leafless). — A curious species, its 

 flowers resembling more the Lomaria than the Gladiolus ; 

 are produced in January or February. It can only be 

 grown in the greenhouse. 



G. blandus (Fair). A very pretty species with a 

 strong spike of white flowers, the lower petals having an 

 oval blotch of red. The flowers are alternately arranged 

 on either side of the stem, a form that meets with but 

 little favor. 



G. brevifolius (Short-leaved). — A greenhouse 

 species, with a long naked spike of very pretty rosy- 

 tinted flowers. 



G. campanulatus (Bell-shaped). — A very pretty 

 species, but its name is a misnomer, as its flowers are 

 less bell-shaped than most of the species. It is of dwarf 

 habit, with lilac flowers, the lower divisions stained 

 with red. 



G. cardinalis (Scarlet, or Superb). — A grand 

 flower, and one of the parents of many of our richly 

 colored hybrids. It is well worthy of cultivation. In 

 favorable situations it will grow more than four feet 



