Abyssinian Gladiolus

Though technically a corm and often referred to as Gladiolus murielae, this plant remains distinct in many bulb catalogues under its older name for its unique beauty. It produces elegant, sword-like foliage and nodding, star-shaped flowers that are white with a striking, deep maroon-purple throat. The scent is one of its finest attributes—a powerful, jasmine-like fragrance that carries on the evening air in late summer. In the UK, it is somewhat tender (H3), meaning it is best grown in containers that can be moved undercover or lifted and stored dry in autumn like Dahlias. It requires a hot, sunny spot to encourage flowering and appreciates a fertile, well-drained soil. It provides a wonderful late-summer highlight after many other garden bulbs have finished. Plant them in succession from April to June to extend the flowering period through to the first frosts of autumn.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.