Overview
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0-0.1 metre wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, coastal and gravel garden. It is native to S Spain and Sicily.
About
This perennial plant reaches a height of up to 90 cm and develops from a corm. Its upright, sword-like foliage is nearly equal in height to the flowering stalks. The flowers are funnel-shaped, measuring about 5 cm across, and are a deep magenta hue, featuring lighter markings on the tepals. These flowers appear in upright spikes from late spring through early summer.
About the genus
Gladiolus are perennial plants that grow from corms, featuring clusters of long, narrow leaves resembling swords. They produce tall flower spikes adorned with funnel-shaped blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gladiolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Gravel garden
- Native to
- S Spain, Sicily
- Toxicity
- Ornamental 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
Pruning and caring for Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus
- Cultivation
- Plant corms 10-15cm deep and 10cm apart in any well-drained with full sun. Ideal for planting in groups in the border or in gravel gardens, suits naturalising in long grass and meadows if planted out when in growth; spreads freely from cormlets. See bulbs: naturalising and bulb cultivation
- Pruning
- Tidy after foliage dies down if necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by separating cormlets when dormant
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to gladiolus thrip, aphids and slugs
- Disease resistance
- May 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus?
Plant corms 10-15cm deep and 10cm apart in any well-drained with full sun. Ideal for planting in groups in the border or in gravel gardens, suits naturalising in long grass and meadows if planted out when in growth; spreads freely from cormlets. See bulbs: naturalising and bulb cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus?
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus need?
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus?
Tidy after foliage dies down if necessary.
How big does Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus grow?
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0-0.1 metre. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus hardy in the UK?
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus?
Propagate by separating cormlets when dormant.
Is Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus toxic?
Ornamental 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.