Gladiolus Murielae

Gladiolus murielae (also known as the Abyssinian Gladiolus or fragrant gladiolus) is one of those plants that stops you in your tracks. From slender, elegant stems rise delicate, starry white flowers with a striking deep burgundy-purple throat—a dramatic little detail that makes the blooms look almost hand-painted. Best of all, the flowers are often lightly scented, especially on warm evenings, making it a gorgeous choice for planting near patios, paths and doorways where you’ll actually notice it.

Unlike the bigger, blousier gladioli, murielae has a more graceful, airy look, blending beautifully through borders and cottage garden planting. It’s brilliant for adding late-summer sparkle, looks amazing woven through grasses and perennials, and it’s also a fantastic cut flower—those elegant stems last well in a vase and add a fresh, sophisticated touch to arrangements.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant the corms in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed (typically April to May).

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Gladiolus murielae thrives in warm spots and is ideal for borders, gravel gardens, and patio pots. Plant near paths or seating areas to enjoy the light evening fragrance.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant corms 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) deep with the pointed end facing up.
• Spacing: Space 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) apart for a natural-looking clump.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soil with grit or sharp sand to aid drainage. A little compost is helpful, but avoid overly rich soil.

Watering:
Water after planting to settle the soil. Keep lightly moist during growth, but avoid waterlogging. Once flowering begins, water during dry spells to support strong stems and blooms.

Aftercare Tips:

• Stake if needed in windy spots, although stems are usually quite slender and graceful.
• After flowering, leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corm for next year.
• In colder or wetter areas, lift corms in autumn after the foliage yellows, dry them and store frost-free over winter.
• In mild, well-drained gardens, corms may overwinter in the ground with a dry mulch, but winter wet can be more of a risk than cold.

Top Tip:
For the most impressive display, plant Gladiolus murielae in groups of 10+ and weave through airy planting like ornamental grasses, Verbena bonariensis or Nepeta. Succession planting a couple of weeks apart can help extend the flowering season.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

August - September (sometimes into October in warm spots)

Height:
24–36" (60–90cm)

Position:
Full sun / sheltered

Type:
Summer-flowering corm