Gladiolus cardinalis (Waterfall Gladiolus)
Waterfall Gladiolus, Cardinal Red Sword Lily, Corn-Flag, New Year Lily, Superb Gladiolus, Hardy Gladiolus
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.
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Peganum, Flickr
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.
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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
10" - 1' (30cm - 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 |
