Gladiolus 'Ruby' (_papilio_ hybrid)
sword lily 'Ruby'
A cormous perennial to 80cm tall, producing upright, sword-shaped leaves. In mid-to late summer it bears short spikes of large, hooded, ruby-red flowers with darker markings on the lip tepals
Synonyms
Gladiolus papilio 'Ruby'Gladiolus ecklonii 'Ruby'
see moreGladiolus papilio red-flowered
Gladiolus papilio ruby-flowered
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Gladiolus are cormous perennials with fans of sword-shaped or linear leaves and spikes of funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Plant corms 10-16cm deep in spring. If the soil is not perfectly-drained, plant the corms on a bed of sand. Provide a winter mulch in cold areas
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by separating cormlets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems and allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
May be susceptible to gladiolus thrip, aphids and slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to corm rot and grey moulds (botrytis)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.