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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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

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