Sunday, July 4, 2010

Graceful Crocosmia

What grace and delicate beauty!






Each day I watch as the flowers gradually open along the arching path to the tip.

The Crocosmia is a cousin to the gladiolus but they certainly approach life differently. Glads are belle of the ball types, with kaleidoscope blooms and flowers festooned with wild patterns and ruffles. Crocosmia stick to the yellow-orange-red side of the color wheel and deliver a concentrated, straight-forward presentation. Crocosmia are also tougher when it comes to winter temperatures.

Crocosmia stems make fabulous bouquets. Cutting will not hurt the plants and will provide a steady supply of cut flowers. Be sure to choose flower stalks with the bottom half of the blooms open, the remaining buds will open over a several day period.

The name is derived from the Greek words krokos (saffron) and osme (smell), referring to the saffron-like scent, when dried flowers are dipped in water.

No comments:

Post a Comment