Gladiolus Muriel (Gladiolus murielae) is not a new plant. Gardeners know it under the outdated name acidantera two-color (Acidanthera bicolor), or fragrant gladiolus. According to genetic studies, this species is now classified as gladioli. Bears the name Muriel Eskin (1879-1967).
In nature, the plant is found in East Africa, predominantly in Ethiopia, as well as Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, but cultivated in almost all parts of the world.
It is a bulbous perennial with a straight stem and linear or narrowly obvious leaves of a light green hue. Blooms in the second half of summer, in August-September, very long and abundant. The flowers are large and graceful, white with a purple spot in the center, with a delicate pleasant aroma. They are collected in spike-shaped inflorescences with few flowers.
The corms of the plant appear on sale in the spring, often under the former name - acidantera. They are dressed in a light brown shell, under which a white onion up to 3 cm in diameter is hidden.
Growing
Corms are planted in the middle lane in May, to a depth of about 10 cm, at a distance of up to 30 cm from each other. To start flowering earlier, you can plant acidander in pots in March. Until the end of May, they are kept in a warm greenhouse or a well-lit windowsill, after which they are planted in the garden. You can also leave the plant in a spacious pot, exposing it to the open air. This growing option allows you to get vigorous plants with earlier flowering.
There must be a well-drained garden soil with a light structure. In terms of composition, it is desirable to be slightly acidic, preferably neutral, and sufficiently fertile.
Gladiolus Muriel is a very thermophilic and light-loving plant, therefore, if there is a threat of a sharp cold snap, it is necessary to use a covering material. Regular weeding, loosening and watering are desirable, but without waterlogging. Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is applied 2-3 times during the growing season (you can use a specialized fertilizer for bulbous plants for this). Mulching with a small layer of compost is helpful. In order not to lose the decorative effect of group plantings, one must not forget about the removal of faded flowers. After the end of flowering, the peduncles are cut off, leaving only the lower leaves.
The plant can hibernate in the open ground only in warm southern regions, where the temperature in winter does not drop below -17 ° C. The plant does not tolerate frosty winters in the middle zone.
In October, before frost, it is necessary to dig out the corms, cut off the entire aerial part, and dry it for a month in a room with a temperature of about + 20 ° C. The old corms and roots are then removed and the planting material is stored until the next season at a temperature of about + 15 ° C in paper bags. In May, the plants are planted in the ground, the children are separate from the large bulbs. Since this plant is vulnerable to putrefactive diseases, it is recommended to pre-treat the bulbs with the fungicide Maxim.
Reproduction
Gladiolus Muriel reproduces by corms or children, has a good breeding coefficient. The seed propagation method is practically not used.
Usage
The plant is great for single group plantings or prefabricated flower beds. Looks good when grown in flowerpots, only this will require increased watering and additional feeding. There is another drawback of container growing - the corms are laid smaller. Also, the plant is often used for cutting, but the aroma of the flowers is so strong that it is definitely not worth putting it in the bedroom.
