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Gladiolus cardinalis (Waterfall Gladiolus)

Waterfall Gladiolus, Cardinal Red Sword Lily, Corn-Flag, New Year Lily, Superb Gladiolus, Hardy Gladiolus

Gladiolus cardinalis, Waterfall Gladiolus, Cardinal Red Sword Lily, Corn-Flag, New Year Lily, Superb Gladiolus, Hardy Gladiolus,  Red Gladiolus, Red Sword Lily
Gladiolus cardinalis, Waterfall Gladiolus, Cardinal Red Sword Lily, Corn-Flag, New Year Lily, Superb Gladiolus, Hardy Gladiolus,  Red Gladiolus, Red Sword Lily

Extremely ornamental, Gladiolus cardinalis (Waterfall Gladiolus) is a delicate-looking cormous perennial with gracefully arching stems bearing a spike of up to 12 brilliant scarlet red flowers in late spring to early summer. Each widely funnel-shaped flower, up to 3 in. long (8 cm), features striking white spear-shaped marks on the lower three petals. When seen in flowers in masses, the effect is truly brilliant. Forming a sturdy clump of upright, sword-shaped leaves, Waterfall Gladiolus is found growing on wet cliffs and waterfalls in the southwestern Cape area of South Africa where it is pollinated by the mountain pride butterfly.

  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in well-drained soils. Needs moisture throughout the year even while dormant.
  • A good candidate for beds and borders, cottage gardens, and patio containers.
  • Keep an eye out for thrips, aphids, slugs, gray mold, and corm rot.
  • Propagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant. Pant your bulbs 7-8 in. deep (17-20 cm).
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Gladiolus cardinalis is native to South Africa.

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 8 - 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 Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
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, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Gladiolus (Sword Lily)
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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 8 - 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 Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)
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, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles 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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