Gladiolus papilio (butterfly sword lily) — bulbous perennial

Overview

Gladiolus papilio is a bulbous perennial in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family. Gladiolus papilio grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated RHS H3 (hardy outdoors in mild or coastal areas). Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to S E South Africa.

About

Gladiolus papilio is a bulbous perennial in the iris family prized for its summer flowering. It blooms from July to September and is native to south‑eastern South Africa. Plant in full sun in well‑drained sandy or loamy soil of neutral to slightly acidic pH, on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site. The ornamental corms must not be eaten; wear gloves when handling and keep them away from pets.

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

In the garden

Gladiolus papilio belongs to the genus Gladiolus within the Iridaceae and comes from south‑eastern South Africa. It produces its flowering display between July and September, making it a summer-flowering cormous perennial for seasonal colour. Choose a sunny, south- or west-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds. The plant prefers well‑drained soil — sandy or loamy types are ideal — with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and a moderate level of moisture; avoid waterlogged sites. In the UK it holds an RHS H3 rating, which means it is borderline hardy outdoors in mild or coastal areas, so select locations free of severe winter exposure. Gladiolus papilio suits mixed borders, rock gardens and containers sited in full sun and out of strong wind. Handle the corms with protective gloves and other appropriate equipment, and be aware they are ornamental only and harmful to pets if eaten. For further details and contact numbers about pet exposure consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants, and keep any discarded corms or soil out of reach of children and animals.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Gladiolus

Sunlight: full sun
Soil type: well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moderate
Aspect: south or west-facing
Exposure: sheltered from strong winds
UK hardiness: RHS H3 (hardy outdoors in mild or coastal areas)

Plant details

Gladiolus papilio size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: bulbous perennial
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, containers
Native to: S E South Africa
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 papilio

Cultivation: Plant corms in spring after risk of frost; requires well-drained soil and full sun; water moderately during growing season.
Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after it yellows.
Propagation: Corm division and seed

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Gladiolus papilio?

Plant corms in spring after risk of frost; requires well-drained soil and full sun; water moderately during growing season.

Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus papilio?

Gladiolus papilio prefers full sun. It suits sheltered from strong winds positions.

What soil does Gladiolus papilio need?

Gladiolus papilio grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.

How do I prune Gladiolus papilio?

Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after it yellows.

Is Gladiolus papilio hardy in the UK?

Gladiolus papilio has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Gladiolus papilio?

Corm division and seed.

Is Gladiolus papilio 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.

More in the Gladiolus genus

Browse all Gladiolus →