Family

Iridaceae

Description

Peacock gladiolus (Gladiolus murielae) is a summer-flowering bulb native to the mountainous regions of East Africa. Known for its graceful arching stems and white, star-shaped flowers with a central maroon blotch, it adds elegance and fragrance to mixed borders and cutting gardens. Unlike the more rigid hybrids of the genus, this species has a looser, more natural habit and blooms later in the season, often in late August through September.

G. murielae requires full sun and excellent drainage. In colder climates, the corms must be lifted and stored over the winter. Though not widely naturalized in North America, it performs well in warm microclimates with adequate summer heat. Its late-season bloom time makes it especially valuable for extending garden interest into early fall.

Bloom Time

August to September