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

Gladiolus undulatus 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 undulatus, synonymously known as Gladiolus cuspidatus and commonly known as Painted Ladies or Painted Lady in English and Rooibontpypie or Vleipypie in Afrikaans, is a South African endemic species found in the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It grows to 150cm tall and has long-tubed pinkish cream to greenish flowers with markings on each lower tepal during spring and summer. It is best sown in autumn.