llustration of Gladiolus palustris by Otto Wilhelm Thomé (1885). [Public Domain]

Genus: Gladiolus


Common Names: gladioli, sword lily


Description coming soon.


Distribution: Africa, Europe, West Asia

Our Selection

Gladiolus × papilio ex 'Ruby'


Common name(s):  butterfly gladiola


Description: perennial; a clumping, iris relative from South Africa with blade-like foliage. Mid-summer brings successions of ruby-red flowers on long stalks to 3 ft. tall. Makes a long-lasting cut flower.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: ornamental, cut flowers, to attract pollinators


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Drought: adapted to 2.5+ months of summer drought

Gladiolus × papilio 'Ruby's Pink'


Common name(s):  butterfly gladiola


Description: perennial; a seedling of G. ex 'Ruby' raised by Wild Ginger Farm of Beavercreek, OR. A clumping, iris relative from South Africa with blade-like foliage. Mid-summer brings long flower stalks to 3 ft. tall covered in pink flowers with magenta guidelines and a flush of yellow in the throats. A long-lasting cut flower as well.


Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.


Position: full sun and well-draining soil


Uses: ornamental, cut flowers, to attract pollinators


Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below


Drought: adapted to 2.5+ months of summer drought