Gladiolus Callianthus is a delicate and highly-scented gladioli species that is easy to grow and, when planted in succession, can provide a continuous floral display in the late summer and autumn. It is often know by the name Acidanthera Murielae and the common names peacock flower or Abyssinian gladiolus. It originates from the high mountains of central Africa and consequently is only moderately hardy.

The irregularly-petalled flowers are pure white, with a dark purple patch at the centre. They are highly scented and arch gracefully from a long pollen tube. The leaves are straight and sword-like and emerge from the corms so late in the summer that it is easy to think they are not going to show. In September, the tall flower stalks follow and bear a succession of blooms on a 2.5ft tall spike. After flowering, the leaves should be allowed to go yellow and die down. Gladiolus Callianthus is not hardy enough to be left out all winter, but the corms can be lifted and the best of them stored dry over the winter with the largest being reused the following year.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Gladiolus Callianthus is not really suited to heavy, waterlogged soils. It does well in well-drained, sunny situations planted on a 2in bed of gravel. They can be fed annually in spring with a general fertiliser when planted in a moderately fertile soil.

Size
Plants will grow to about 2 to 3 ft (60 to 90 cm) and spread about 12in (30cm).

Propagation
Plant the dry corms in April to May, either in deep pots or in good soil in a sunny position. Place them 4in apart and 5in deep. A 12in pot will hold about 7-10 bulbs.

Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Gladiolus