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Gladiolus x colvillii ‘Albus’ (Sword-Lily)

Sword lily 'Albus', White sword lily, Hardy gladiolus 'Albus', Gladiolus x colvillei 'Albus', Gladiolus nanus

Sword lily 'Albus' , White sword lily, Hardy gladiolus 'Albus', Gladiolus x colvillei 'Albus' , Gladiolus nanus 'Albus'

Gladiolus ‘Albus’ (Gladiolus x colvillei) is a compact Sword Lily bearing up to 10 slightly fragrant, 3in. (8 cm) pure white, trumpet-shaped blossoms with delicate yellow markings on their lower petals and bluish anthers. Highly popular since its introduction in 1872, this breathtaking beauty grows up to 12 – 20 inches tall (30 – 50 cm) and blooms in early summer.

  • This plant deserves a prime spot in beds, borders and is well suited for small gardens and containers. Plant in groups of 5 minimum for best visual impact.
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils except clay.
  • Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
  • Gladiolus x colvillei Group is a group including “Baby Gladioli” that are more compact, bloom earlier and feature a softer, less formal look than the Large-Flowered Gladiolus.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Impressive Gladiolus Flowers


Prized for their majestic flower spikes, are popular flower bulbs. Whether used in borders, containers or as cut flowers, Gladiolus (Sword-Lilies) always provide a spectacular effect with their rich and cheerful colors and their breathtaking vertical lines. With very little work needed, they will burst into bloom and add bright notes of summer color to the garden, in your pots or inside your home. However, some basic rules need to be followed to enjoy beautiful and impressive flowers for several months.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Gladiolus
Common names Gladiolus, Sword-Lily
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Gladiolus ‘Tricolore’ (Sword Lily)
Gladiolus ‘Volcano’ (Sword Lily)
Gladiolus ‘Charming Lady’ (Sword Lily)
Gladiolus ‘Her Majesty’ (Sword Lily)
Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner)
Gladiolus ‘Vista’ (Sword Lily)

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Gladiolus (Sword-Lily)
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Impressive Gladiolus Flowers
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Gladiolus
Common names Gladiolus, Sword-Lily
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Spacing 4" (10cm)
Depth 4" (10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Gladiolus (Sword Lily)
Not sure which Gladiolus (Sword Lily) to pick?
Compare Now

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