Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner)

Prized for its sweet fragrance, Gladiolus tristis (Marsh Afrikaner) is a cormous perennial boasting large, funnel-shaped, creamy-white flowers, 2.5-3 cm (6-8 cm), flushed with green or pale yellow. Borne on long, wiry stems, the blossoms open progressively in the spring and exude a delicate scent in the evening. The scent is variously described as carnation, clove, almond, or honeysuckle. Gladiolus tristis produces dark green, narrow, upright, linear leaves in fall, following summer dormancy. Native to the marshy grasslands of Southern Africa, this spring-flowering perennial spreads by seed and by cormlets. It is not invasive, but be aware of what you’re doing if you put it in the ground in a Mediterranean climate. Easily grown, it is a great addition to the garden. Excellent cut flowers.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm).
• Best flowering occurs in full sun in well-drained soils. Allow going dry and dormant in summer.
• Good candidate for beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
• Keep an eye out for thrips, aphids, slugs, gray mold, and corm rot.
• Propagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Gladiolus tristis is native to South Africa.