Abyssinian Gladiolus (Gladiolus murielae) - The fragrant Abyssinian Gladiolus

Are you looking for an elegant highlight to stylishly extend summer in your garden or on your balcony? The Gladiolus murielae – often also called Abyssinian Gladiolus or Peacock Orchid – is a true gem for late summer and early autumn. With its graceful growth habit and incomparable fragrance, it brings an elegant lightness to any planting.

Scope of delivery: Each 9cm pot with several bulbs.

Fascinating contrasts: Pure white meets deep purple

From August, delicate, slightly arching flower stalks emerge from the fresh green, sword-shaped foliage. The star-shaped flowers glow in an immaculate white, interrupted at the center by a striking, dark red to almost black star. These nodding flower heads appear almost as if they are floating weightlessly above the bed.

Another highlight reveals itself in the evening: as soon as dusk sets in, the flowers exude an intense, sweet fragrance. It not only attracts night moths but also makes balmy late summer evenings on the terrace unforgettable.

Planting and care at a glance

The Peacock Orchid grows in clumps, reaches a height of 70 to 100 cm, and can be wonderfully combined with delicate ornamental grasses or autumn-flowering perennials. It also unfolds its full effect in large terracotta pots.

• Location: Choose a full-sun, warm, and, most importantly, wind-protected spot so that the graceful stalks do not break.

• Soil: Loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil is ideal. Ensure good drainage, as the bulbs do not tolerate waterlogging.

• Overwintering: The plants originally come from the mountains of East Africa and are not winter-hardy in our latitudes. Carefully dig up the bulbs in late autumn before the first hard frosts and store them dry, dark, and frost-free to replant them in spring (from May).

Our tip for your garden:

It is best to plant the Gladiolus murielae in small groups (tuffs) of 5 to 10 bulbs. This way, their delicate floral splendor is most impressively displayed! Also, feel free to cut a few stalks for your home – it is an extremely elegant and long-lasting cut flower.