Overview
Gladiolus bonaespei is a upright bulbs in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with green foliage. Gladiolus bonaespei grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cut flowers, borders and containers.
About
Gladiolus bonaespei, commonly known as flames, is a perennial bulbous plant from the Iridaceae family. It grows upright from corms and features green, sword-like leaves. This cultivar produces tall flower spikes with funnel-shaped blooms, thriving best in full sun and well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for sheltered south, west, or east-facing aspects, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and is ideal for summer interest in borders, containers, or as cut flowers. Planting corms 10-15cm deep after the last frost and staking tall varieties ensures healthy growth.
About the genus
Gladiolus is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae).
Wikipedia contributors, "Gladiolus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gladiolus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gladiolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gladiolus bonaespei size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Cut flowers, Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gladiolus bonaespei
- Propagation
- Division, Cormlets
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Botrytis, Fusarium bulb rot, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus bonaespei?
Gladiolus bonaespei prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus bonaespei need?
Gladiolus bonaespei grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gladiolus bonaespei hardy in the UK?
Gladiolus bonaespei has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gladiolus bonaespei?
Division, Cormlets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Gladiolus genus
- Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S)
- Gladiolus 'Rose Laguna'Sword Lily
- Gladiolus byzantinuseastern gladiolus, Byzantine gladiolus, Byzantine sword-lily
- Gladiolus callianthusAbyssinian gladiolus
- Gladiolus cardinaliswaterfall gladiolus
- Gladiolus dalenii 'Boone'
- Gladiolus liliaceusSword Lily
- Gladiolus primulinus
