byzantine gladiolus
Gladiolus communis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones7 to 10
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall4 to 8 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Magenta
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Byzantine gladiolus (Gladiolus communis) is a bulb for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Bright magenta flowers appear on slim stalks and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Bulbs need good drainage. Leave the foliage in place after the flowers fade so it can feed the bulb, and mulch in winter.
Pairs well with May Night salvia, Red-hot poker, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Africa.