Gladiolus papilio
“Butterfly Gladiolus”

A vigorous easy to grow late blooming species Gladiolus for those who appreciate refined charm and subtle color. Hardy to 5° F to -7° F and growing up to 3.5' tall and 1' across, the arching bronzy stems are gracefully topped by mauve buds opening into 2” funnel shaped flowers. Peer inside and behold! Stunning, painterly moth shaped markings of maroon and gold give this species its common name. Blooms appear from late Summer thru early Fall and make wonderful cut flowers, so much more sophisticated than the common modern hybrids. Grows in any soil - EVEN CLAY - but especially will thrive in rich, moist, humusy soil, rewarding you with a steadily increasing clump. Deciduous. From South Africa.

Annie