Shire Wild Bulbs and Nursery
Iridaceae Gladiolus

Gladiolus

A large genus of over 260 species, most South African species occurring in the winter rainfall region. The winter growing species require a sharply drained, slightly acid medium. Water every 3-4 days during their growing period and keep dry during their dormant period. The summer growing species require a more compost-rich medium and can handle more regular watering although also need a dry dormant period.  

 

Name Gladiolus dalenii Gladiolus dalenii_shire african bulbs
Common name African gladiolus
African name udwendweni (z)
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 1.5m
Light requirements full sun
Flowers January
Medicinal uses

Used in treaditional medicine to treat diarrhoea,
chest ailments caused by sorcery, sterility in
women, as good luck charms and in the medicine
horns of nyangas. Corms are used as tops for
childrens games. Leaves are plaited into ropes.

 

Name Gladiolus ecklonii Gladiolus ecklonii shire indigenous african bulbs
Common name Sheathed gladiolus
African name makhabebe (ss)
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 35cm
Light requirements full sun
Flowers March
Medicinal uses

Used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatic    
pain. Corms are also eaten raw or cooked.

 

Name Gladiolus ochreolucus                                        Gladiolus ochreolucus Shire wild bulb nursery
Common name Pink gladiolus
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 50cm
Light requirements full sun
Flowers Dec-Feb
Medicinal uses  

 

Name Gladiolus oppositiflorus sp. salmoneus                 Gladiolus_oppositiflorus_sp._salmoneus_c shire indigenous bulbs
Common name Salmon gladiolus
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 40cm
Light requirements full sun
Flowers January
Medicinal uses  

 

Name Gladiolus wilsonii                                               gladiolus_wilsonii_ shire indigenous bulbs
Common name Blue gladiolus
African name  
D/E deciduous
Rainfall summer
Height 45cm
Light requirements full sun
Flowers November
Medicinal uses  
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Shade Code

FS -  full sun
SS -  semi shade
S -    shade

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