Acidanthera, a close relative to gladiolus, is fragrant and deer-resistant. Planting this month will yield a colorful and sweet-scented array this summer.
Photo by L.A. Jackson
If ever there were a candidate that rates an “A” in Infrequently Used Plants That Deserve More Attention 101, it would be acidanthera (Acidanthera sp.). Introduced from eastern Africa, these gladiolus-related pretties have been seen in Southern flower borders since the late 1800s. But after well over a century in gardens on this side of the Atlantic, how many people do you know who grow acidanthera? Probably not too many.
I have a theory about this undeserved infrequent use: Even though its alt-name “peacock orchid” is properly poetic, the more commonly used appellation “acidanthera” does sound a bit like a raggedy 1960s Haight-Ashbury rock opera.
Well, if you can get past their name, grab some of these pretties. At this time of year, they won’t be hard to find either at garden shops or online—heck, I’ve occasionally even found them at dollar stores, which should give you an idea of what a bargain they are.
While inexpensive, acidanthera isn’t cheap on looks. After being planted in the spring, its corms soon send up slender, sword-like shoots that top out at about two to three feet high. Then, in midsummer, it’s showtime, as long spikes rise up and support nodding clusters of shimmering white, six-petaled blooms with throats streaked in rich burgundy.
And the flowers are fragrant—with an intensity that depends on what time it is. Usually slightly scented in the morning and midafternoon, acidantheras’ captivating perfume grows stronger as the sun wanes and dusk descends. Want more from this pleasant olfactory experience? Plant in masses close to an entryway or garden path.
April is a prime time to plant acidanthera. Its corms should be set about three inches deep and five inches apart in a well-worked, loamy location that receives morning and early afternoon sun with light, high shade later in the day, if possible.
Since acidantheras like good drainage, also consider getting up close and pleasingly personal with them by growing the corms in pots strategically located in spots on your deck or outdoor patio.
You will probably get a good flower flaunt from newly planted acidantheras this year, but to keep the show going strong and prevent overcrowding, divide the corms about every three to four years in early spring.
In sight and scent, acidantheras can be a pleasant experience for gardeners, but add a “Plus” to their “A” rating because they are also deer-resistant.
April in the Garden
• South Carolina veggie gardeners, it’s time to get those homegrown, warm-season goodies in the ground. Summer sun worshippers such as snap beans, watermelons, tomatoes, squash, cantaloupes, field peas, cucumbers and peppers can all be planted this month.
• Don’t apply high-nitrogen fertilizer to such plants as cotoneaster, blackberry, quince, apple, and pyracantha because it could encourage new growth that develops too quickly, making young limbs more susceptible to fire blight.
Tip of the Month
Crinum is a bulbous beauty that mystifies many gardeners, but this fog of unfamiliarity is lifted by South Carolina’s own Jenks Farmer with his new book, Crinum. Farmer, the designer and former director of Riverbanks Botanical Garden, as well as present owner of Jenks Farmer, Plantsman crinum farm in Aiken, takes readers on a fun, informative romp, detailing how to grow crinums and pick the right ones for almost any garden. Additionally, it is Farmer’s first-person, personal journey of discovery into the delightful world of crinums, making this book a definite garden library keeper. Copies can be ordered on Amazon and at jenksfarmer.com, which is also a great online source for crinum bulbs.
L.A. Jackson is the former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Contact him at lajackson1@gmail.com.