5 Gladiolus tristis var aestivalis Seeds - Indigenous South African Native Perennial Bulb

Gladiolus tristis var aestivalis 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". Gladiolus tristis var aestivalis grows to 150cm tall. It has 4 leaves, a very crowded spike with up to 20 flowers that are funnel-shaped cream to yellow, with dark markings, during summer. It is best sown from seed in autumn or winter.