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Gladiolus carneus (Painted Lady)

Painted Lady Gladiolus

Gladiolus carneus, Painted Lady, Painted Lady Gladiolus, Winter blooming Gladiolus,  Gladiolus, Sword Lily

Native to southern Africa, Gladiolus carneus (Painted Lady) is a graceful cormous perennial boasting loose spikes of 3-12 widely funnel-shaped, soft pink flowers in late spring. Large, each elegant blossom, up to 2.5 in. long (6 cm), is adorned with deep carmine spade-shaped markings on its lower petals. Blooming for up to 4 weeks, they are borne atop arching stems surrounded by sword-shaped leaves. Tough and reliable, Painted Lady Gladiolus is perfect for rock gardens, dry gardens or containers. Very ornamental and a good cut flower.

  • Grows up to 8-20 in. tall (20-50 cm) and 3-4 in. wide (7-10 cm). A good naturalizer, this summer dormant gladiolus will spread by cormlets to create a lovely colony.
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in well-drained soils. Drought tolerant, this plant copes well in hot, dry conditions, but does not resent summer watering.
  • Divide every four or five years.
  • Winter-growing gladiolus species should be planted in the fall.
  • 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 Spring (Late)
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean 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 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 Spring (Late)
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 3" - 4"
(8cm - 10cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, 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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