About
Gladiolus cardinalis, the waterfall gladiolus, is a cormous perennial to 70 cm tall with upright, sword-shaped leaves and arching stems bearing a spike of up to twelve bright-red flowers with white markings on the lower three petals in late spring and early summer. A beautiful and distinctive wild gladiolus from South African cliff faces, best grown in a frost-free garden or cool greenhouse.
About the genus
Gladiolus, the sword lilies, are cormous perennials with fans of upright, sword-shaped leaves and tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in summer. They range from tall, large-flowered border hybrids to smaller, elegant wild species from Africa, the Mediterranean and Asia.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained soil, or pots of free-draining compost, in a sunny, sheltered position; best lifted and allowed to dry off in late summer after flowering. Repot in autumn and place in a cool but frost-free greenhouse; plant out after all risk of frost has passed
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to gladiolus thrip, aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to gladiolus corm rot, grey moulds (Botrytis), Fusarium bulb rot, gladiolus core rot, gladiolus dry rot, gladiolus scab and neck rot, fungal leaf spot, and virus diseases