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Gladiolus flanaganii

Also Known As

Suicide Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 10"
W: 6"

planting zones

8b-10b

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Gladiolus flanaganii plant details

Gladiolus flanaganii is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus flanaganii

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN wide, 10 IN tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, showy, summer dormant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus flanaganii

USDA Zones: 8b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Stunning, red gladiola, one of many species of South African bulbs, these seductive creatures found growing on cliffs in the Drakensberg mountains in places with extremely difficult access, hence the common name, suicide lily. Not dangerous in the garden, needing well-drained soil in sun to produce spikes of red flowers in summer before becoming dormant. Grassy leaves return in late fall and winter. Somewhat drought tolerant but accepting of moderate summer water. Frost hardy to 15F, mid USDA zone 8.

By: Cistus Nursery

One of the many astounding species from South Africa, this one is more tender compared to most we carry, but a true gem, very rare in cultivation, I don't want to deny you. Relatively short but with medium-large flowers, up to 7 per stem, deep red with darker zones on the lower petals, highlighted by white stripes. Possibly hardy to zone 8 but we haven't tested that yet. In zone 8 or 9, it needs sharp drainage. As a winter dormant plant, it can be easily grown in pots and wintered over dry in a cool/cold place.

By: Edelweiss Perennials

A rare and unusual Gladiolus species found growing on cliff faces in the high Drakensberg. Called “Suicide Lily” because of the danger of clambering down cliff faces to see the blooms up close. But now you can enjoy them in a non-life-threatening situation! The 2” across bright red flowers form on short spikes to 10” tall. Up to seven flowers can appear in succession on each spike. Easy to grow, Gladiolus flanaganii is Summer blooming and tolerant of Summer water. Going dormant in late summer, its leaves return in Fall-Winter. Often grown in a good-sized clay pots with well draining soil, Gladiolus species appreciate occasional fertilizer. Hardy to 14 °F.