5 Gladiolus flanaganii Suicide Lily Seeds - Sow Autumn - South African Indigenous Perennial Bulb

Gladiolus flanaganii Seeds

South African Indigenous 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 cutting 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. The Australian comedian and personality Dame Edna Everage's signature flowers are gladioli, which she refers to as "glads". A rare and unusual Gladiolus species found growing on cliff faces in the high Drakensberg. Called “Suicide Lily” because of the danger of clambering down cliff faces to see the blooms up close. But now you can enjoy them in a non-life-threatening situation! The 5cm across bright red flowers form on short spikes to 10” tall. Up to seven flowers can appear in succession on each spike. Easy to grow, Gladiolus flanaganii is summer blooming and tolerant of summer water. Going dormant in late summer, its leaves return in Fall-Winter. Often grown in a good-sized clay pots with well-draining soil, Gladiolus species appreciate occasional fertilizer.