Gladiolus dalenii

Gladiolus dalenii

Quantity:

Common Names

Papegaai-gladiolus (afrikaans)
African Gladiolus (english)
isidwi esibomvu (zulu)
khala-e-kholo (sesotho)

Taxonomy

Family IRIDACEAE
Genus Gladiolus
Species dalenii
SA Plant Number
Basionym Gladiolus dalenii

Description

Gladiolus dalenii is a very hardy, deciduous, summer-growing perennial with a corm that gives rise to a fan of erect, grey-green leaves.

The tall, erect, flowering stem has large, hooded flowers varying from intense orange-red to yellow, pale-green and speckled-brown. Different flower forms flower at different times, ranging from October to June. It makes a spectacular show when planted in clumps. Sunbirds and insects are attracted to the flowers.

It has many medicinal and magical uses. It makes a wonderful cut flower, and in fact, the many hybrids of Gladiolus in the cut flower industry were grown from hybrids of South African Gladiolus species.

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or semi-shade. During the growing season, water well and fertilise, but only with organic, slow release fertiliser.

Size: up to 1,5m

Wildlife

Wildlife garden plant:

The flowers attract many insects and Sunbirds to the garden.

Uses

Distribution

Limpopo, N. West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, N. Cape, E. CapeNatural Habitat:

Damp grassland, Rocky grassland, Rocky Outcrops, Woodland

 

+

Admin Notice: