5 Gladiolus carmineus Seeds - Cliff gladiolus - Indigenous South African Endemic Perennial Bulb

Gladiolus carmineus Seeds

South African Endemic Flowering Perennial Bulb

Gladiolus is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family with around 255 species. They are perennial bulbous flowering plants, sometimes called ‘Sword lilies’, but usually by its generic name, Gladiolus. It has been studied by taxonomists and now includes the genera Acidanthera, Homoglossum, Anomalesia and Oenostachys. The geographic range includes Africa, Madagascar, Europe, and the Middle East. They are treasured the world over for their beautiful, showy flowers which grow on tall spikes. These plants are often planted in cut flower gardens or in the back along the border, as they grow 60cm to 1.8 m tall. They make excellent cut flowers and are easily grown in raised garden beds and rockeries. Most Gladioli do equally well in pots. Gladioli are the flowers associated with a fortieth wedding anniversary. Gladiolus carmineus, commonly known as Cliff Gladiolus or Hermanus Cliff-gladiolus in English and Bergpypie in Afrikaans is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province where it can be found growing from Cape Hangklip to Cape Infanta. It grows to 35cm in height and blooms from summer to autumn when it bears very showy flowers that are deep pink to carmine with white makings on the lower tepals. Gladiolus carmineus is very popular the world over and does exceptionally well in rocky areas, raised garden beds and rockeries but does equally well in pots.