Gladiolus callianthus (Acidanthera)

40 bulbs
£6.89
£0.17 each
120 bulbs
£13.89
£0.12 each
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Often sold as ‘acidanthera’, this plant is actually a gladiolus from East Africa. Its flowers are lightly fragrant in the evening, which is why it’s lovely planted near patios and paths.

Gladiolus callianthus (often sold as acidanthera) produces elegant, starry white flowers with a rich, red-purple throat that adds a refined, exotic feel to late-summer borders, patio pots, and cutting gardens.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100cm, it sends up slender stems lined with multiple buds that open in succession, extending the display over several weeks and providing excellent cut flowers.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. In heavier ground, plant on a gritty layer or grow in containers for sharper drainage.

Water after planting and during dry spells while growth is active, then feed every two to three weeks once stems develop. Taller stems may benefit from discreet support in windy gardens.

Perfect for borders, pots and floral arrangements, this fragrant gladiolus pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials. In colder areas, lift and store corms frost-free once foliage dies back.

Botanical name Gladiolus murielae (syn. Gladiolus callianthus, Acidanthera murielae)
Flower colour White with deep red-purple throat
Bulb size 8/10
Established height 80–100 cm
Established spread 15 cm
Plant spacing 50 corms per m²
Leaf colour Green
Habit Upright
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Tender
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full sun
Position Exposed or Sheltered
Suitable for Pots, Borders, Cutting garden
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Gladiolus callianthus (Acidanthera) needs warmth and sun. Choose a sheltered, full-sun position with fertile, well-drained soil, or grow in a pot where you can control drainage and move it to the best spot.

How to Plant:

Plant corms in April–May, 10–16cm deep on a bed of sharp sand or grit, spacing about 10cm apart. Water in well and keep just moist until shoots appear.

Aftercare:

Water during dry spells and feed regularly once stems form. After flowering, leave foliage to feed the corm, then lift and store new corms dry and frost-free for replanting next spring.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Fragrant

Perfect for pots

Good for cutting

£6.89

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