Marsh Afrikaner, Sad-Flowered Sword Lily, Evening Flower, Ever-Flowering Gladiolus
Prized for its sweet fragrance, Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner) is a cormous perennial boasting large, funnel-shaped, creamy-white flowers, 2.5-3 cm (6-8 cm), flushed with green or pale yellow. Borne on long, wiry stems, the blossoms open progressively in the spring and exude a delicate scent in the evening. The scent is variously described as carnation, clove, almond, or honeysuckle. Gladiolus tristis produces dark green, narrow, upright, linear leaves in fall, following summer dormancy. Native to the marshy grasslands of Southern Africa, this spring-flowering perennial spreads by seed and by cormlets. It is not invasive, but be aware of what you’re doing if you put it in the ground in a Mediterranean climate. Easily grown, it is a great addition to the garden. Excellent cut flowers.
| Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
|---|---|
| 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 (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
| Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
|---|---|
| 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 (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
