Gladiolus grandiflorus Peter - Sword Lily

Gladiolus ‘Peter’ is a dwarf small-flowered gladiolus from the Gladdies® range, selected for its bright red flowers with a creamy throat borne on stems shorter than those of classic tall gladioli. Its medium height makes it suitable for decorating beds, borders, and containers. Its well-filled spikes are also perfect as cut flowers. Planted in spring, this summer bulb flowers from July to September, depending on the planting date.

A corm from the Iridaceae family, gladiolus is a perennial native mainly to southern Africa, cultivated in our climate as a summer bulb: Plant its corm in spring, the foliage will develop, flowers appear, then the foliage dries up and disappears in autumn. The ‘Peter’ cultivar is part of the Gladdies® range, which comprises “small-flowered” gladioli with stems 60 to 80 cm tall and shorter spikes, suitable for both cut flower arrangements and beds. The plant forms a tight clump of sword-shaped, medium green, narrow leaves, from which upright flower spikes emerge bearing spikes composed of numerous funnel-shaped flowers. These corollas are a bright, true red, with a small creamy zone at the throat, which brightens the centre of the flower and creates a lovely contrast in displays. In cold climates, lift the corms at the end of the season to overwinter in a dry place.

In the garden, plant Gladiolus ‘Peter’ in repeated clumps to create red highlights among summer beds. It looks superb with Dahlia ‘Burlesca’, whose old rose apricot pompons soften its bright colour. It can be paired with Salvia ‘Love and Wishes’, with its raspberry-purple spikes. To add movement, include an ornamental grass such as Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’ with its pinkish plumes. Yarrow ‘Walther Funcke’ enriches the palette with coral red, peach, orange, brick red, and cream tones. All these varieties can come together in a large, multicoloured cut flower arrangement on the living room table.