PlantFiles: Gladiolus
Gladiolus huttonii

I often wonder why the vulgar Gladiolus hybrids are so popular when the Gladiolus species are far more beautiful and elegant. Gladiolus huttonii is a winter growing species from the southeastern Cape of South Africa and produces just a few rush-like leaves. From as early as late December (Northern Hemisphere) it produces up to four lovely blooms in succession: these are usually brilliant red and bright yellow, with darker markings on the lower tepals (although the species may considerably). Plant the corms in Autumn and grow on in a bright location. Can tolerate short periods of zub-sero temperatures but it´s best to protect from frost. Store the corms completely dry during the Summer. Easily grown from seed sown shallow in Autumn. Hybridizes easily with Gladiolus tristis and the resulting offspring can be very beautiful.