Gladiolus tristis var concolor (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 90cm
Eventual Spread: 30cm
Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Iridaceae
Gladiolus tristis var concolor is a cormous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 70cm long and 1cm broad. Its fragrant cream coloured flowers are up to 7cm across and appear as a spike. Its fragrance is strongest at night. Its roots are corms which are up to 2cm across and aids its slow spread.
Gladiolus tristis var concolor, commonly known as Ever Flowering Gladiolus, Lady of the Night or Marsh Afrikaner, is native to South Africa. In its native habitat it grows in open grassland. This plant commences growing in autumn, flowering in spring and is dormant during the dryer summer months.
The etymological root of the binomial name Gladiolus is derived from the Latin meaning ‘little sword’, in reference to its leaves. Tristis is from the Latin meaning ‘sad’. Concolor is derived from the Latin meaning ‘ of the same colour’.
Gladiolus tristis var concolor Flower (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Gladiolus tristis var concolor useful as a fragrant bulbous perennial in well drained dry summer soils. This plant should be carefully located as it died down during the dry summer months.
Ecologically, Gladiolus tristis var concolor is attractive to nectar loving insects.
Gladiolus tristis var concolor prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It prefers dry soils during the dormant summer months.
Gladiolus tristis var concolor requires little maintenance.