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Gladiolus carmineus (Cliff Gladiolus)

Cliff Gladiolus, Cliff Lily, Hermanus Cliff Gladiolus

Gladiolus carmineus, Cliff Gladiolus, Cliff Lily, Hermanus Cliff Gladiolus, Winter blooming Gladiolus,  Gladiolus, Sword Lily

Native to southern Africa, Gladiolus carmineus (Cliff Gladiolus) is a delicate-looking cormous perennial boasting clusters of 4-5 starry, brilliant rose-pink blooms on each flowering stem in the fall. Each of the lower petals are streaked with a white line down their center surrounded by a pale mauve halo. The ravishing blossoms emerge before the foliage of gray-green, narrow, arching leaves. Cliff Gladiolus is perfect for rock gardens or containers.

  • Grows up to 12-20 in. tall (30-50 cm) and 8 in. wide (20 cm).
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in well-drained soils. Give plenty of water, every 7-10 day, during the growing season. Salt tolerant.
  • This winter-growing gladiolus can be grown from corms as well as seeds.
  • 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 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 Sword-Lily, Gladiolus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 7" - 8"
(18cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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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 Sword-Lily, Gladiolus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 7" - 8"
(18cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean 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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