Overview
Gladiolus italicus 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Gladiolus italicus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About
Gladiolus italicus is a species of gladiolus known by the common names Italian gladiolus, field gladiolus, and common sword-lily. It is native to much of Eurasia and North Africa, but it is well known on other continents where it is a common weed, particularly of cultivated fields and waste places. This perennial flower grows an erect stem approaching a meter in maximum height with a few long leaves around its base. Toward the top half of the generally unbranching stem is a spike inflorescence on which flowers appear at intervals. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gladiolus italicus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gladiolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Gladiolus italicus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus italicus?
Gladiolus italicus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus italicus need?
Gladiolus italicus 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Gladiolus italicus grow?
Gladiolus italicus reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Gladiolus genus
- Gladiolus 'Adele'
- Gladiolus 'Adrenalin'PBR (L)
- Gladiolus 'Alexandra the Great'PBR
- Gladiolus 'Amber Mystique' (L)
- Gladiolus 'Andre Viette'
- Gladiolus 'Arctic Day' (M/E)
- Gladiolus 'At Night'PBR (L)
- Gladiolus 'August Days' (L)