Black varieties of gladioli

The variety of colors of varietal gladioli is amazing. In this palette, you can find not only the usual white, red and yellow tones, but also absolutely incredible color variations. A striking example of this is the spectacular black gladioli, one of which makes an indelible impression.

It is known that plants with true black flowers do not exist in nature. Those specimens that are conventionally called black are actually maroon, dark purple or dark blue in color. Varietal gladioli with flowers of an almost coal shade are no exception.

Gardeners use these shades of gladioli to decorate flower beds, as they look very impressive. The most popular varieties are presented below.

• "Black Velvet" - a variety of abundantly flowering gladioli of domestic selection. The average plant height is 110-130 centimeters. Stems - erect, tough, dense. Leaves are narrow, directed upwards, pointed. Flowering time - June-August. Flowers - large, velvety, with corrugated edges, funnel-shaped, united in a dense spike-shaped inflorescence. The color of the flowers is maroon, with a pronounced anthracite-black border on the periphery.

• "Black Prince" Is a relatively old variety bred by American breeders. The plant is about 130 centimeters tall. Stems are straight, juicy, resistant to gusts of wind. The flowers are large, corrugated, reaching 10-11 centimeters in diameter. The color of the flowers is maroon, the color of the anthers is charcoal purple. Flowering dates are late.

• "Black corduroy" - an unpretentious variety of large-flowered gladioli. Mature plants grow to a height of 80-110 centimeters. Leaves are silvery green, straight, pointed. Flowering time - July-September. The flowers are velvety, funnel-shaped, with wavy edges. The color of the flowers is dark inky with a slight violet-lilac tint.

• "Black Cardinal" - a very effective unpretentious variety of domestic selection. In height, gladioli of this variety are capable of reaching 130-150 centimeters. Leaves are narrow, pointed, straight or slightly drooping. Inflorescences are lush, spike-shaped, reaching 60-70 centimeters in length. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped, with wavy edges. The color of the flowers is dark red in the center, with a soft anthracite tint on the periphery.

• "Black Raven" - an original variety of vigorous gladioli of domestic selection. The average plant height is 120-140 centimeters. Stems are light green, erect. Inflorescences are voluminous, dense, spike-shaped or spiral. The flowers are funnel-shaped, velvety, with strongly corrugated edges. The color of the flowers is dark ruby ​​with a creamy beige center. The petals on the periphery and edges have a pronounced coal-black shade.

• "Black giant" - a very attractive cut variety of vigorous large-flowered gladioli of domestic selection. Plant height varies from 130 to 160 centimeters. Stems are solitary, dense, pale green in color with a slight grayish tinge. Flowering in early or mid-August. Inflorescences are dense, very lush, spike-shaped.Flowers - dark crimson, velvety, funnel-shaped, with slightly corrugated edges.

• "Black Atom" Is a delightful variety of large-flowered gladioli. Plants are vigorous, reaching 110-140 centimeters in height. Flowers - large, corrugated, dark ruby ​​color, reaching 12-14 centimeters in diameter. The edges of the petals are decorated with a thin light stripe.

• "Black Star" - a very interesting variety of tall gladioli with unusual flowers. Plant height is 110-120 centimeters. Flowers - velvety, deep burgundy color with a pronounced coal-black tint at the edges.

• "Black stone" - a variety of vigorous gladioli, recommended for cutting. Plants can reach a height of 150-160 centimeters. The flowers are funnel-shaped, with strongly corrugated edges, reaching 13-14 centimeters in diameter. The color of the flowers is dark purple with a soft anthracite black tint on the periphery of the petals.

• "Black queen" - a beautiful decorative cut variety of large-flowered gladioli. The height of the plants is about 130 centimeters, the length of the inflorescence is 65-70 centimeters. Flowers - dark crimson, with wavy edges, reaching 12-13 centimeters in diameter.

The main care for these beautiful perennials is regular watering, timely feeding, loosening and mulching the soil. Watering gladioli is recommended abundantly, spending about 12-13 liters of water per 1 square meter.

The first feeding of plants is carried out during the period when they have 2 true leaves. At this stage, gladioli are fed with nitrogen-containing fertilizers that stimulate the growth of green mass.

The second time the plants are fed during the formation of 5-6 leaves. At this time, gladioli need fertilizers containing potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

The third feeding of gladioli is carried out during the period of bud formation. At this stage, the plants are fed with fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium.

Loosening of the soil is usually done 3-4 times a season. It is recommended to mulch the soil in the near-stem circle after each watering. It is advisable to use leaf humus or peat as mulch.

You will learn more about the variety of black gladioli "Black Corduroy" below.