Gladiolus flanaganii
suicide lily
A cormous perennial, to about 30cm tall, with upright, sword-shaped leaves and arching sprays of funnel-shaped flowers in mid- to late summer. These may be bright red, or paler red with darker markings and narrow white streaks on the lower petals
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 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
West–facing or 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Central & SE South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil, or pots of free-draining compost, in a sunny, sheltered position
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to gladiolus thrip, aphids and slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to gladiolus corm rot, grey moulds (Botrytis), Fusarium bulb rot, gladiolus core rot, gladiolus dry rot, gladiolus scab and neck rot, fungal leaf spot, and virus diseases
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.