Wild Gladioli

Wild or botanical gladioli such as field gladiolus, known in Latin as Gladiolus italicus, the Byzantine gladiolus or Abyssinian gladiolus (Gladiolus murielae), are charming with their more slender, graceful and natural habit than that of the large South African hybrids grown mainly as cut flowers. Adorned with small, delicate flowers, they bring a charming wild and upright touch to sunny beds and rock gardens. Wild gladioli, often originating from the Mediterranean region or the Near East, vary in hardiness. They can generally be left in the ground if well protected by a thick winter mulch. However, in areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to lift the corms in autumn and bring them indoors, protected from the cold, as you do with those of large hybrid gladioli. Growing them in pots makes it possible to bring the bulbs into a greenhouse or conservatory for the winter.

Find all our advice in the guide "Gladioli: planting, growing and care".