Gladiolus dalenii Boone Mongolia The flowers of 'Hot Papaya'

The flowers of 'Hot Papaya' coneflower emerge orange but quickly change to a brilliant scarlet red

and you simply can't resist

The deer-resistant clumps are topped in late winter with a stunning display of slaty-black flowers held just above the foliage

but with a unique pattern of gold and white in the center of each leaf

This cultivar does not like deep shade

Gladiolus dalenii Boone Mongolia The flowers of 'Hot Papaya'This amazing Gladiolus dalenii hybrid was introduced to the market by the former Holbrook Nursery in NC after it was discovered in the frigid mountain town of Boone, NC, by extension agent Jeff Owen. The 4' tall stalks open in early June (NC) with medium sized flowers of peachy apricot, highlighted by a yellow center and red streaked throat attractive to hummingbirds. Although we list this as Zone 6, we have heard many reports of Zone 5 hardiness.