Photo of Gladiolus cunonius flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Gladiolus cunonius

Plant type

bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 18"
  • W: 6"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

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Gladiolus cunonius plant details

Gladiolus cunonius is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus cunonius

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN wide, 18 IN tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: rare, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus cunonius

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

There’s something eerily cartoon-like about the blooms this strange, rare South African bulb. Do they look like vermillion mice? Toy airplanes? Crimson giraffes? I can’t decide, but they’re definitely neato! The upper petals are spoon-shaped & the lower ones are so diminished they’re barely there. Flowers arrive in early spring, growing to a height of 18”. This is a coastal species that thrives in sandy soil, so drainage is a must. Summer drought is also necessary. Likely to be a hummingbird bonanza!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Gladiolus cunonius plant

How to Grow Gladiolus cunonius

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Gladiolus for your garden

aka Butterfly Gladiolus, Goldblotch Gladiolus

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 6"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Gladiolus papilio flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Gladioulus 'Halloweenie', Halloween Hardy Glad

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 60"

Width: 6"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • dry in summer
Photo of Gladiolus dalenii 'Halloweenie' flower by Karl Gercens III
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aka Gladiolus communis byzantinus, Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus 'Cruentus', Corn Flags

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

5a-11

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

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aka Adi Hardy Gladiolus

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 36"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Gladiolus 'Adi' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Acidanthera bicolor, Acidanthera murielae, Gladiolus callianthus, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Gragrant Gladiolus, Peacock Gladiolus, Peacock Orchid, Sword Lily

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Gladiolus murielae close-up, flower by Peter Forster
View Plant

More Options

+110 more Gladiolus
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