Gladiolus cardinalis
waterfall gladiolus
A cormous perennial to 70cm tall with upright, sword-shaped leaves and arching stems bearing a spike of up to twelve flowers in late spring and early summer. Each flower is up to 8cm long and bright red with white markings on the lower three petals
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a well-drained soil, or pots of free-draining compost, in a sunny, sheltered position; best lifted and allowed to dry off in late summer after flowering. Repot in autumn and place in a cool but frost-free greenhouse; plant out after all risk of frost has passed
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal 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
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