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    • Photo of Gladiolus orchidiflorus flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Gladiolus orchidiflorus

    Plant type

    perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

    size

    • H: 24"-36"
    • W: 12"

    planting zones

    • 9a-11

    Gladiolus orchidiflorus plant details

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

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Gladiolus orchidiflorus

    Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
    Plant family: iridaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 12 IN wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
    Flowers: burgundy and chartreuse blooms in spring
    Uses: rare, unique

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus orchidiflorus

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

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    It’s so weird! I love it! This glad does resemble orchids but I think it could also be named Gladiolus elephantus. The flowers look just like elephant heads with its big ears and arching trunk. The flower color varies from yellow-green to a brown-purple with yellow & dark red markings. Intriguing! Plus they’re fragrant! They bloom in early spring & ave several flowers per spike. The foliage is grass-like. Native to South Africa, will grow well in a pot to ensure good drainage. You can also put the pot away during the required dry period in summer.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Gladiolus orchidiflorus plant

    How to Grow Gladiolus orchidiflorus

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • low - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • chartreuse
      • burgundy

    • Wildlife

      • hummingbirds

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • glossy

    Landscape groups by tags

    See other plant types of Gladiolus for your garden

    Gladiolus papilio

    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
    View Plant

    Gladiolus dalenii 'Halloweenie'

    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
    View Plant

    Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus

    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

    More Options

    Gladiolus 'Adi'

    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

    Gladiolus murielae

    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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