Gladiolus

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There are many weeds in this genus, thus we offer only a few selected plants worthy of attention in the garden (species such as flanagannii or symonsii when we have them) or under cool glass (the balance of the South African species offered).

Under glass plant into a well drained, gritty compost in November, keep barely moist and cool to delay leaf growth, once this starts in spring, give plenty of water and feed, to promote flowers. Then dry over the summer and start all over the next (late) autumn.

The species which we offer which will take garden cultivation usually need a gritty, well-drained, but humus-rich soil. A mild spot will suit even the hardy ones. Do not confuse these species with the common Mediterranean species such as byzantinus, those do not have a place in gardens, they are weeds!

Ordering of different species from Autumn and Spring lists.

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"missing species"

Species listed in our main printed list but not found below, have already sold out.

To aid clarity, these have been moved to our 'inactive' section.

Their descriptions, pictures and details can still be found using our search facility, but we have no more left for sale this season.

This does not affect existing orders for these species.

Gladiolus communis byzantinus

A readily grown species from the Mediterranean region with slender spikes of bright carmine or magenta flowers. These can be marked with paler and darker lines in some plants.

A deep fertile soil is best with the plants left undisturbed, to encourage flowering rather than increase.

Horticultural stock originally from plants raised in a wet area of Scotland rather than the more widely grown Dutch horticultural forms. We hope that in some way this may make them more amenable to the British climate.

Photo Meneerke Bloem at Wikimedia, with thanks.


Gladiolus communis byzantinusglacombyz	£1.25
Large view

Gladiolus imbricatus

RS.0572

This is indisputably the best of the Mediterranean species, a genus that contains a lot of weeds as well as this gem.

A native of Turkish marshes, it makes a dense spike of large flowers with very rich colouring, usually in shades of deep purple to carmine. It is regarded as the hardiest for very cold climates and seems to have no other demerit, in gardens, other than its rarity.

Sunny well drained site with adequate moisture when in growth.


Gladiolus imbricatusglaimbimb	£4.00
Large view

Gladiolus italicus

Widely spread across Europe this is tolerant and easy with narrow leaves at the base of 30-45cm spikes of up to 15 purple-pink to magenta flowers in a one-sided spike in late spring and early summer, depending on your climate.

A loam based soil in full sun, with a dryish summer rest is all this requires to do well.

Photo by Dan Kenigsberg at Wikimedia,with thanks.


Gladiolus italicusglaitaita	£2.30
small but flowering size corms

Gladiolus tristis

This is widespread in damper areas of its native South Africa and this is reflected by its ease of growth and tolerance of water when grown in the Northern hemisphere also.

It makes large, beautifully shaped flowers in shades of soft sulphur yellow, with a faint green tinge, reliably and freely. These are especially good for their light scent in the evening, especially if potted and kept under glass, though it is hardy outside with no problems here in full sun in a humus-enriched soil.

This is wintergreen and grows from late autumn onwards, flowering is in spring, dormancy is in summer when the plant likes to be dry.


Gladiolus tristisglatritri	£4.00
Large view