Rich rice planters on the Carolina coast showcased their wealth in opulent gardens in the antebellum period, introducing a variety of exotic imported plants to the American continent. Among them were bright parrot gladiolas from Africa.
Eventually the glads escaped their plantation homes to appear on the humble roadsides all along the coast. At the end of May, they make a flamboyant show visible a mile away, free to rich and poor alike. 
We found these all along South Island Road — a road once lined with wealthy plantations — near our house, and ends at the Intercoastal Waterway and the ferry to Cat Island.
I bet you can guess — hummingbirds love them!
That's interesting. I bet they made quite a show in the gardens of past years. Interesting to note they are now scattered about the road side and know doubt looking pretty.
ReplyDeleteDon't they grow from bulbs or corms? How do they escape? They are lovely.
ReplyDeleteI thought about that, too. One possibility is the flooding that occurs a lot here moves the corms about. This makes sense because they are mostly growing in ditches on the roadsides.
DeleteBeautiful flowers and an interesting history! They look quite tall.
ReplyDeleteThat really is a horrible swampy area.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see from photos that the gladiolas seeds kept producing. Adds colour to that messy swamp and maybe "gator country????
Colin
They would certainly attract your attention and it is good that they provide nectar for hummingbirds. And speaking of hummingbirds, one is feeding in the backyard right now!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sight it must be. I do wonder how they have spread, if only they could talk...lol!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely addition to the land!
ReplyDeleteA splash of colour amongst the greenery.
ReplyDeleteWow they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that's what they were called, but they are so very pretty.
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