About
Gladiolus flanaganii, the suicide lily, is a cormous perennial to about 30 cm tall with upright, sword-shaped leaves and arching sprays of funnel-shaped, bright-red or pale-red, dark-marked flowers in mid to late summer. A striking and unusual small gladiolus for 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 moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toCentral & SE South Africa
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 very well-drained soil, or pots of free-draining compost, in a sunny, sheltered position
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