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Gladiolus callianthus murielae (Abyssinian Sword-Lily)

Gladiolus Murielae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower, Acidanthera, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Peacock Orchid

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Gladiolus Murielae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower, Acidanthera, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Peacock Orchid
Gladiolus Murielae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower, Acidanthera, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Peacock Orchid
Gladiolus Murielae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower, Acidanthera, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Peacock Orchid
Gladiolus Murielae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Peacock Flower, Acidanthera, Fragrant Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Peacock Orchid

Gladiolus callianthus murielae, commonly known as Abyssinian Sword-Lily, is a stunning bulbous perennial plant. It features long, sword-shaped green leaves that can reach up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in length. In late summer or early fall, it produces magnificent white flowers with a prominent purple blotch at their heart. The star-like blossoms are well-spaced and emit a delightful fragrance. This plant is known for its graceful appearance and adds a touch of elegance to gardens and floral arrangements.

  • Blooming in late summer or early fall, this beauty has the advantage of blooming after the other summer-flowering bulbs. It makes a wonderful companion for the blue Aster dumosus hybrids, Aster novi-belgii and Aster amellus.
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993)
  • Plant in a sheltered location to protect your Gladioli from strong winds.
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils.
  • Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
  • To be planted in spring when the risk of frost has passed.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to Ethiopia and Madagascar.

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 7 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 10
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 Acidanthera, Peacock Flower, Sword-Lily
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
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, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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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)

Recommended Companion Plants

Crocosmia (Montbretia)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)
Persicaria amplexicaulis (Mountain Fleece)

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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 7 - 10
Heat Zones 8 - 10
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 Acidanthera, Peacock Flower, Sword-Lily
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 6" (15cm)
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, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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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