butterfly gladiolus
Gladiolus papilio
USDA zones8 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Butterfly gladiolus (Gladiolus papilio) is a bulb for borders and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. The flowers are bright or dull yellow, sometimes tinged with purple outside, or mainly pale pinkish violet. The lower petals always have brown or purplish red blotches. It blooms in early to late summer.
Pairs well with May Night salvia, Lemongrass, and Totally Tangerine dahlia.
Native range
S Africa.