Answer to the Front Page Picture of the Week Question
for August 23rd - September 5th, 2006
This is cornflag, Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus.
It is found in parts of Southern Europe and is hardier than the more familiar floristís
gladiolus. Cornflag is named for its habit of growing in grain fields where it is native;
the corms produce numerous small cormels every year that make it difficult to eradicate.
Cornflag is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.
It is useful in the perennial border and is sometimes naturalized in rough turf areas in the
South. You can find cornflag growing in the Dioscorides Garden and the Antique and Heritage
Rose Garden in the National Herb Garden.