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A Visit to Cistus Nursery

I rarely go to nurseries anymore since I work part-time at one and another reason being that I don't have much room for additional plants. When a garden fanatic runs out of room, the brain goes into overdrive, dreaming up ingenious ways to incorporate more plants. And another thing happens - a burning desire to obtain rare and unique plants. I've been moving plants around, a tricky process that has a domino effect. A plant is unhappy - it is getting too much shade or perhaps too much sun. There is a plant that did not get as large as you thought it would or it is just a slow grower and now it is hopelessly hidden behind a taller plant. Sometimes a plant is just a dud for reasons unknown (Rhododendron 'Golden Gate' anyone?). I find the plant in question a better home, but it means that another plant will have to be moved. And the merry-go-round continues to turn... However, for those plants that are to be discarded, a space opens up for a new one! I decided to move a Mou...
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Abyssinian gladiolus

Gladiolus murielae  
This is the first time I've grown these bulbs. I just picked them up at Home Depot early in the spring. Gladiolus murielae is also known by a variety of common names including "Peacock Orchid," "Sword Lily," "Acidanthera" and "Fragrant Gladiolus". It is native to the mountain areas of East Africa. They grow about 2 feet tall and bloom in late summer. They are supposedly hardy in our zone (zone 7). So far, not as much profuse bloom as I'd hoped but there has been a scattering of blooms during the past weeks.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. GailSeptember 4, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    That's a lovely flower.

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  2. aquablueroseSeptember 4, 2013 at 11:21 PM

    What a beautiful flower & photo, dear Phillip!!

    Gerri xxoo

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  3. David OliverSeptember 4, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    I like lilies a lot but not sure I like that black in the center. I guess it is black, maybe really dark purple?

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  4. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 5, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    Maybe they need a year or so to get established. They do have a pretty bloom.

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  5. sandaSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:23 AM

    I discovered these last year and they have quickly become a favorite. My bulbs from last year survived the winter in a pot. I bought more this year and have put some of the bulbs in the ground. I love them because they are fragrant.

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  6. Kylee BaumleSeptember 5, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    I've grown these for years and anxiously await their beautiful fragrance all summer. Love them!

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  7. Shenandoah KeplerSeptember 5, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Never heard of them, but after your photo, I will start looking for them now! Thanks for the introduction! Best to you!

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  8. UnknownSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    I tried those a few years back,here in Florida.They didn't bloom profusely,but they were beautiful when they did.But they didn't come back the next year.

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  9. Edith KentSeptember 5, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    Beautiful blossom. These are new to me and I'm anxious to see some my sister has growing. Great photo....makes me want to try them!

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  10. LostRosesSeptember 5, 2013 at 5:45 PM

    Beautiful, Phillip, I hope they come back for you next year and bloom profusely!

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