- Botanical name: Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus
- Common name: Byzantine gladiolus
- Family: Iridaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
Pink
Green
- Key features:
- Flowers
Perfect for bridging the gap between the last of the spring bulbs and the first of the summer perennials, Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus is a gorgeous, late-spring flowering bulb bearing spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in the most intense magenta pink.
It works well as a planting partner to silver-leafed plants and also in meadow-style plantings, mixed with other bright colours. In the right site, it can be naturalised, too. It also makes a great focal point as part of a container display, and makes an excellent cut flower.
Unlike other gladiolus, Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus benefits from being planted in autumn. Plant the corms 10-16cm deep in well-drained soil. Use grit or sharp sand to aid drainage if you need to.
How to grow Gladiolus communis
-
Plant size
100cm height
100cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Plant | ||||||||||||
Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
Flowers | ||||||||||||
Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Divide | ||||||||||||
Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do not Divide in March |
A
Do not Divide in April |
M
Do not Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do Divide in September |
O
Do Divide in October |
N
Do Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
Gladiolus communis and wildlife
Gladiolus communis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Gladiolus communis poisonous?
Gladiolus communis toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its roots are toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People