PEACOCK ORCHID
Family Iridaceae
Genus: Gladiolus
Peacock Orchids, or Gladiolus callianthus, produce beautiful hooded white bloomsthat flare out with maroon blotches and a lovely fragrance.
Alternate names: Previously Acidanthera bicolor or Acidanthera murielae, Gladiolus murielae, Abyssinian Sword Lily, Abyssinian Star, Fragrant Gladiolus
Origin: East Africa
Flowering Season: Summer.
Plant Size: 60cm H x 20- 30cm W (clump).
Planting Density: 15cm apart.
Multiplication Speed: App. 20 weeks to flower. Thick clumps in 3- 4 years.
Preferred Aspect: Sun or light shade.
Plant Uses: Cut flowers, garden fragrance, attractive foliage.
Likes: General good garden conditions.
Dislikes: Thrip insects.
Watering - Prefers a well drained, friable soil. Natural rainfall should suffice. Supplement water during dry spells.
Fertilising - Dig ground over with animal compost or a commercial product before planting.
Lifting and storage - Can be either left in the ground to form abundant clumps, or be lifted and stored late autumn in a dry, airy place until replanting in winter or spring. All lifted corms must be dried quickly to avoid soft rot.
Pests - None.
Tips - Peacock Orchids have a delightful fragrance. They make ideal cut flowers. The small bulblets that form around the main corm, if separated and replanted, will produce lovely flowers in their first season.
