Gladiolus Callianthus

Often called the Abyssinian Lily or Peacock Orchid, Gladiolus callianthus (formerly Acidanthera murielae) is a late-summer star known for its graceful habit and intense evening fragrance.

Key Characteristics

• Flowers: Features nodding, star-shaped creamy-white blooms with a striking, dark chocolate-maroon or purple blotch at the centre.
• Fragrance: Highly scented, especially in the late afternoon and evening; the perfume is often described as sweet and jasmine-like.
• Height: Reaches approximately 60cm to 1 metre (2-3 feet).
• Bloom Period: Flowers late in the season, typically August to September/October, providing a final burst of elegance before autumn.
• Foliage: Typical of gladioli, it has slender, upright, sword-shaped green leaves.

Cultivation and Care

• Position: Requires full sun and a sheltered spot to encourage flowering.
• Soil: Needs well-drained, fertile soil. They dislike being waterlogged.
• Planting: Plant corms in spring (April-May) about 10-15cm deep. For a concentrated impact, plant in groups of 10 or more.
• Overwintering: These are tender (H3). In most of the UK, corms should be lifted after the first frost, dried, and stored in a frost-free place. In very mild coastal or southern areas, they may survive in the ground with a thick winter mulch.