Gladiolus liliaceus

Plant type

bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 14"-18"
W: 12"

planting zones

9a-11

Gladiolus liliaceus plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus liliaceus

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 14 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate, orange, pink and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, rare, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus liliaceus

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This is a lovely species of Gladiolus. The neat looking flowers are browny-orange to yellow & change to a purple-mauve in the evening. Very unusual! Along with the change in color in the evening, there is also a sweet fragrance which helps moths (and humans) find the flower at night. The flowers are starfish-shaped, the tips of the petals twist attractively & the foliage is slender & grassy. The plant gets to be about 14-18” tall & about 1’ wide. Blooms in Spring & is native to South Africa. You can grow these easily in a pot which you can then put away while the bulbs are dormant in the Summer. Withhold water during this time. Or you can grow these in the ground as long as they have decent drainage & are not heavily watered in the Summer.