Acidanthera Bicolor

Acidanthera bulbs, also known as Abyssinian gladiolus or Gladiolus murielae, are planted in spring for late-summer flowers. Wait until the risk of frost has passed, then plant the corms in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, free-draining soil. Acidanthera dislike cold, wet ground, so avoid planting too early into chilly soil. Plant corms around 10 to 15 cm deep for stronger stems and better stability.

Acidanthera can be slow to appear after planting, especially when spring temperatures are low. The most common causes of poor growth are planting into cold, wet soil, lack of sun, shallow planting or corms rotting in poor drainage. They need a warm, sunny position and soil that drains freely. If the corms are planted late, they may produce foliage but have less time to flower before autumn. Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth, but do not allow it to become waterlogged.

Yes, Acidanthera are valued for their lightly fragrant, white flowers with a dark central marking. They flower in late summer and can continue into early autumn, providing colour after many spring and early-summer bulbs have finished. Planting Acidanthera corms in groups gives the best effect and makes their delicate flowers more noticeable in borders and containers. They are also useful as cut flowers, where their elegant stems and subtle fragrance can be enjoyed indoors.

Acidanthera corms are smaller than many traditional flower bulbs and may have a dry, papery outer layer when they arrive. This is normal while they are dormant, provided they feel firm and solid. Plant them promptly and keep them dry and frost-free until planting time. Do not plant corms that are soft, wet, badly mouldy or have a strong rotten smell, as these are signs of decay and they are unlikely to grow.

Acidanthera are not reliably hardy in most parts of the UK. Once the foliage has turned yellow-brown in autumn, lift the corms and store them somewhere dry and frost-free until spring. In very mild areas with light, free-draining soil they may survive outdoors with winter protection, but lifting them is the safer option, particularly in colder or wetter gardens.