Gladiolus callianthus

Store bulbs in cool dry conditions for planting from late March to May

The Plantfinder now lists these as Gladiolus murielae. These bulbs were first collected in Ethiopia where they are found wild throughout the mountain chains of East Africa. Our winters are too wet and cold for them and consequently they do not successfully over winter in most British gardens. But they are reasonably inexpensive and supplying big bulbs (as we do) they will produce an impressive show in the same year as planting. If you do wish to try to over-winter bulbs they will need a dry frost free winter rest. I would suggest that you stagger your planting in the spring and keep some bulbs back to plant late (the end of May) for an extended show into the cooler autumn days when the flowers last twice as long. Long, slightly pleated, deep green leaves provide a lush foil, the furled buds emerge almost unnoticed to open with white flowers with a chocolate throat that sway gently on the lengthening flower stems. Understated and refined they have a subtle perfume, stronger in the evenings, so do position them near to a door or path to take full advantage of the scent for by that stage their flowers are nearly at nose level. A 12" pot will take about 7-10 bulbs but choose a heavy and deep one for increased stability.

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. 

Planting Instructions

Store bulbs dry and plant in late March - May, in deep pots or in good soil in the sun, 3" (8cm) apart and 5" (12cm) deep.  Flowers Aug-Oct 3-4' (90-120cm) tall.  Very fragrant but tender.  A 12" (30cm) pot will take about 7-10 bulbs, but choose a heavy deep one for increased stability.  

Plant Details