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

    Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Gladiolus splendens

    Plant type

    bulb / corm / tuber

    size

    • H: 2'
    • W: 1'

    planting zones

    • 9a-11

    Gladiolus splendens plant details

    Gladiolus splendens is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and winter red flowers emerge. Features glossy and grassy texture. Attracts birds and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. 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 splendens

    Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
    Plant family: iridaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 1 FT wide, 2 FT tall
    Flowers: red blooms in spring and winter
    Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, showy, unique

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Gladiolus splendens

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

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Splendid indeed! Stifly upright 2' plus stems with rows of vivid carmine blooms arrive in February & March on this very little known Glad. Overall, the species is similar, but larger in all aspects to G. cunonius. Like cunonius, the flowers are oddly un-Gladiola like - shaped like small red birds, with diminished lower tepals. The flowers are perfectly formed & colored to attract South Africa's gorgeous sunbirds, but it should be just as effective at attracting North America's lovely hummingbirds. A no-brainer to grow, not needing rich soil, or much more than rain, & a beautiful cut flower. Grow in pots or in the ground. A dry period during Summer dormancy is recommended, but I suspect not mandatory, since this species is often found near streams in the wild.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Gladiolus splendens plant

    How to Grow Gladiolus splendens

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - low

    • Water Needs

      • dry when dormant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • red

    • Wildlife

      • birds
      • hummingbirds

    • Flower Season

      • winter
      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    • Texture

      • glossy
      • grassy

    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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