Gladiolus sericeovillosus - Indigenous South African Endemic Perennial Bulb Seeds from Africa

Gladiolus sericeovillosus 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 sericeovillosus is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces. It was previously known as Gladiolus ludwigii, Gladiolus ludwigii var. ludwigii, Gladiolus sericeovillosus var. ludwigii and Gladiolus sericeovillosus var. rubicundus. Commonly known as Blauw Pijpie, Bloupypie or Lapmouse in Afrikaans and Shaggy-stemmed Cornflag in English this summer growing species grows to 2 meter tall with yellow-ribbed leaves. During autumn it bears cream to pink to wine red flowers with yellow or green marks.