Overview
Gladiolus illyricus is a upright bulbs in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with green foliage. Gladiolus illyricus 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 illyricus, the wild gladiolus, is a flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is tall gladiolus that grows up to 50 centimeters (20 in) tall found in western and southern Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean region. In Britain a small population is known in the New Forest region; Williamson suggests this population may be introduced. It is native to Albania, Baleares, Bulgaria, East Aegean Is., France and other regions. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cut flowers, borders and containers. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant corms 10-15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun after last frost. Stake tall varieties.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gladiolus illyricus
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 illyricus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Cut flowers, Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gladiolus illyricus
- 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 illyricus?
Gladiolus illyricus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus illyricus need?
Gladiolus illyricus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gladiolus illyricus hardy in the UK?
Gladiolus illyricus 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 illyricus?
Division, Cormlets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- The Case for Doing LessEcological gardening starts with doing less — mowing less, digging less, watering less. A practical guide to plants, soil, water and dry-garden planting for a wilder, more climate-resilient UK garden.
- 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.
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
