Idea Lanscaping

Hardy Gladiolus

Gladiolus

Prefers full sun and sandy loam.
Very drought tolerant, though requires regular watering for the first month.
After the stems are a few inches tall, it is recommended to mulch the plants to conserve moisture and cool the soil.
Where fully hardy, plant the bulbs during late autumn. Most species should be planted about 6 inches deep, planting them less deep can make them fall over more easily and be less winter hardy.
In other climates plant during spring after the final spring frost.
Many additonal species of great potential in cold climates that are not found in this article, may be found on this excellent external link:
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=120&taxon_id=113591

* photos taken on Aug 2 2012 in Bayfield, Ontario

Gladiolus callianthus ( Peacock Orchid )
Also called Acidanthera bicolor. A perennial, reaching up to 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet.
The white flowers have a brown or purple triangular blotch at the petal bases.
Hardy zones 7 to 11 ( mulch during winter in zones 7 and 8 ) in full sun to partial shade on dry or moist, well drained soil. The corms should be planted 5 inches deep. They sometimes naturalize.

Gladiolus nanus ( Hardy Gladiolis )
Reaches up to 2 feet, with sturdy stems.
The typically white ( with pink or red markings ) flowers are borne during summer.
Hardy north to zone 5 ( reports of 4 ) if mulched deeply for extra protection during winter.
They require full sun and well drained soil.
The bulbs should be planted during spring while still dormant... 3 to 4 inches deep.
Deer resistant. Do not dig the bulbs during the fall, these are fully hardy and will be more vigorous if left undisturbed.

* photos taken on July 13 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photos taken on July 7 2012 in Columbia, MD

Charming Beauty
Intense magenta or purplish-pink flowers.

Impressive
Pure white flowers with purplish-pink petal blotches.

Nathalie
Flowers are pink.

Robinetta
Intense scarlet-red flowers.

Sabrina
Intense orange-red flowers.

Gladiolis murliae
Also called Gladiolis bicolor. Full text description coming soon.
Hardy zones 7 to 9.

Gladiolis natalensis
Full text description coming soon.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun. Drought tolerant.

Gladiolus oppositiflorus salmoneus ( Salmon Gladiolus )
A robust herbaceous perennial, reaching up to 5.3 x 1 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa.
The long sword-shaped leaves are mid-green.
The pale pink flowers, up to 4 inches across, are borne on graceful spikes during mid summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun on humus-rich, light, well drained soil.
In zones 5 & 6 mulch heavily during winter for first 2 winters, it is hardy north to New York State.
The corms should be planted 4 inches deep and 6 inches to 1 foot apart.

Gladiolus The Bride
Reaches up to 1.5 feet, with grassy foliage and pure white flowers, up to 2 inches across, borne in clusters.