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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Front, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Native to the marshy grasslands of southern Africa, Gladiolus tristis, or the evening gladiolus, is a spring-flowering perennial that grows from corms.

It's well suited to growing in an informal setting outdoors, but also makes a lovely potted specimen for a cool greenhouse.

In the UK, Gladiolus tristis benefits from being planted in full sun in a well-drained and humus-rich soil. Look out for the foliage, which emerges in autumn following summer dormancy, and support it with twiggy stems poked in the ground.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes

Gladiolus ‘tristis’ and wildlife

Gladiolus ‘tristis’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Gladiolus ‘tristis’ poisonous?

Gladiolus ‘tristis’ causes an upset stomach and is harmful if ingested.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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