Gladiolus communis byzantina, or G. palustris?

Oh Thank you very much I shall now try to find these bulbs Wonderful. Where is your garden?

Not Byzantine gladioli, (sorry Nicky!) - they are a bright cerise colour and flower in May - June.

I just checked out G. palustris, too - it flowers in the spring, and isn't white.

Sorry - I suspect that your mysterious plant probably isn't a gladiolus.

Thank for the responses I throw the question open. I am 76 and have never seen this plant before. My friend who bought it says it was on sale in a supermarket rack. Anyone any further ideas. Because it was growing in the shade it may have flowered later than usual do you think?

O i see! Leaves aren't Kaffir lily like either! Any chance of a Picture Lilypad?
I was being a bit thick as even looked at the pictures of what i mentioned and still went ahead and posted it! Dear dear, must be something to do with the dust whilst removing the dried walnut cases from walnuts for a few hours to day affecting my mind!

Still won't be G. communis subs. byzantinus (AKA Byzantine gladioli), Lilypad - they flower so early, and in the sun, too. As I said, their colour is distinctive. Now you have the full latin name, take a look at them - you'll see what I mean! I have them in my garden. I love them! :-))

Never mind, Nicky - but we still haven't ID'd Lilypads plant!

Polianthes tuberosa autumn flowering, white flowers, Scented. Height of Crocosmia give or take, thick leaves
I will find out what it is! Are thay slightly scented Lilypad?

Ooo-errr - they're tender, Nicky! Would they be as late flowering as November? I thought they flowered in August-September???

The question says Flowers in October and a few searches have said Sept-Oct and the weather has been mild. Against a wall so a bit sheltered, and therefore drier through winter than stuck in middle or a border. Possible that the soil is free draining or atleast not heavy clay! RHS Encyclopedia says that it can be grown in a sheltered spot in the garden. Hmmm... picture would be good

Are you looking at the RHS 'A-Z'?? Mine says it needs full sun, and 15 degrees minimum, also that it flowers in the summer!

Love, 'Puzzled of Somerset'. x

Perhaps Lilypads making it up to try and trick us and turn us mad!

'Annoyed in Bedford' lol

Hello folk. Would I tease you? Not this time. Soil very light South facing wall but overshadowed by the house. Still one or two flowers out now. I shall creep down and snap it unawares. It looks just like crocosmia from its stalks and leaves. Kaffir lilies and nerines still flowering here. so extremely mild this autumn. Trouble is I cant get the pics on this computer. 15 degrees minimum most of this autumn here No frost at all yet. Over to you.Lilypad

It sounds like a Schizostylis (kaffir Liliy) to me. Ours used to flower until nearly Christmas if the weather stayed mild enough.

Hi again, I have just googled in polianthes tuberosa and yes this is the plant . As I was looking at the pictures with white or green centres I could smell the perfume. How very strange. This variety with purple splashes is obviously of the same species. So search over. Flowering in my garden right now are nasturtiums, wallflowers osteospermum pansies iceberg roses kaffir lilies nerines and paperwhite narcissii with of course geraniums and fuchsias . The seasons are overlapping with avengeance as my tomatoes are still ripening on the vine. as are grapes.

Well done, Nicky! :-)))

I agree, Lilypad - it is indeed strange. I have plenty of flowers out still, as well!