Care of the bulbous plant Gladiolus x gandavensis or Hybrid Gladiola |
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The genus Gladiolus, family Iridaceae, includes about 250 species of bulbous plants native to Africa, Eurasia and Madagascar. Some species and hybrids are: Gladiolus x gandavensis, Gladiolus carneus, Gladiolus communis, Gladiolus flanaganii, Gladiolus illyricus, Gladiolus italicus, Gladiolus alatus. Common names: Hybrid Gladiola, Gladiolus. This plant is a hybrid between Gladiolus natalensis and Gladiolus oppositiflorus. They are bulbous plants with erect stem that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The long, ensiform leaves are deep green in color and appear almost attached to the stem. The spectacular flower spikes have sub-flared flowers of white, red, yellow, purple, etc. They bloom in summer. They are used in borders, in flowerbeds, in pots that are wider than they are tall, and as cut flowers for bouquets and floral decorations. Gladiolus x gandavensis needs full sun exposure and a temperate climate. In autumn, dig up the bulbs and store them in a dry, dark place. The soil can be a normal light garden soil with abundant organic matter. The planting of the bulbs is done in early spring. Water frequently (without puddles) so that the substrate never dries completely. They do not resist drought. Fertilize the substrate with organic matter at the time of planting and in spring fertilize every 20 days with mineral fertilizer at half the usual dose. They do not need pruning but the bulbs must be dug up in the fall. They can be attacked by Botrytis (fungi), bulb rot, viruses and some insects. It is advisable to purchase well disinfected bulbs. They are propagated from seed sown in the nursery and by separating bulblets in early spring. |
Images of the bulbous plant Gladiolus x gandavensis or Hybrid Gladiola |
 Gladiolus x gandavensis  Gladiolus x gandavensis  Gladiolus x gandavensis  Gladiolus x gandavensis  Gladiolus x gandavensis |