Photo of Gladiolus dalenii flower by Secret Garden Growers

Photo by Secret Garden Growers

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Gladiolus dalenii

Also Known As

  • Candy Corn Glad
  • Parrot Glad

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 2'-4'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 8a-11

More Options

Gladiolus dalenii plant details

Gladiolus dalenii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In fall red and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus dalenii

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in fall
Uses: cutting garden, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus dalenii

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This baby is a late bloomer, usually Sept – Oct, with blazing coppery orange-red flowers with smoldering yellow interiors (can you say 'fall colors'?!). Flower stems are 3' tall and make great cut flowers. This South African stunner enjoys full sun, a loose well drained soil and moisture during the growth and bloom period…cut back on water after bloom and remove spent flowers for the biggest corms next year!
A winter dormant, clumping, cormous perennial. Stiff erect, blue-green, sword-like, ribbed foliage is produced in spring from underground corms. Bears in summer tall one sided spikes of red and yellow open funnel shaped flowers (7cm). Does not need digging

By: Zephs

These very striking flowers will brighten up your garden during the dull season of late Summer & Fall. The orangey-red & yellow “candy corn” flowers will bloom appropriately around Halloween. Coincidently enough, in South Africa where this Glad is native to, the children there will suck the flower for the sweet nectar just like many of us did (& still do) with Honeysuckle. The actual flowers can also be eaten raw or cooked & are absolutely beautiful tossed in a salad. The flower spike will reach to 3’ tall. This species is a parent to many of the florist’s hybrids found today. Grows in grassy places & open woods of Summer rainfall areas of South Africa. Needs supplemental water in our dry Summer. Traffic stopping when planted in large groups. Well-drained soil.

Gardening facts about Gladiolus dalenii plant

How to Grow Gladiolus dalenii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy
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