Gladiolus cardinalis

Also Known As

Hardy Gladiolus

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 18"-30"
W: 10"-12"

planting zones

8a-10b

More Options

Gladiolus cardinalis plant details

Gladiolus cardinalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus cardinalis

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 IN - 12 IN - wide, 18 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus cardinalis

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Exceptional Gladiola! Brilliant scarlet red flowers in summer splashed with white 'pouting lips' on the lower petals…2' stems with narrow leaves…summer blooming. Make this glad with loose, well draining soil, full sun and regular irrigation during the growing and blooming season. Great cut flower!

By: Secret Garden Growers

Despite that this gorgeous species is often found near waterfalls in the wild, it actually can live without it. How glad it is we'll never know but glad enough to thrive and bloom in our climate. This is the other plant just about everyone on our June 2011 open house strutted out of the greenhouse with. Like many Gladiolus species, this one's active growing season is winter and spring. In summer they'll go completely dormant and can be kept completely dry, but do tolerate summer water as well. For zone 8 a well draining soil is essential; a protected spot helpful. For zone 9a and warmer, well drained soil will do. Shipped in pots with at least 1 blooming-sized bulb with it's babies.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

So stunningly beautiful you’ll want to kneel down and give thanks to the Gladiolus Gods when you see this almost extinct-in-the wild species bloom! Formerly found growing under waterfalls and on wet cliffs of S. Africa, it likes some shade and moisture throughout the year even while dormant. Forming sturdy dense clumps of sword-shaped foliage over time, this Gladiolus is long-lived, easy to grow and thrives in our Mediterranean climate. The large bright cardinal red blooms have striking white flashes (nectar guides) on the lower tepals and are borne 4-11 per spike in May and June. The blooming stems (to 2’ tall) arch gracefully outwards.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Arresting crimson flowers with white markings in the throat are spectacular! Such a gorgeous color on 18" tall stems. Moist soil is favored by this species.