GLADIOLUS communis

Commonly known as Sword lily, Whistling Jacks

A cultivated form of the light to deep magenta gladioli which is often found wild in Cornish hedgerows or older cottage gardens
Further Reading....
  • Purple
    Shades of purple/mauve/lilac/violet
    Light to deep magenta
  • Height
    To 1m (3ft)
  • Spread
    8cm (3in)
  • Bulb/Corm or rhizomatous perennial
    Vigorous, cormous perennial. Linear leaves 10-70cm (4-28in) long. Spikes of up to 20 funnel-shaped flowers 5cm (2in) across
  • Herbaceous
    Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.
  • Hardy - cold winter
    Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
  • Full sun

GLADIOLUS communis

 
dry bulbs in season pack of 10 £6.50 each 
Available Early Spring 2025 - Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
5 bulbs per pot individually £11.50 each , 3+ £9.00 each 
Delivery Information Available Early Spring 2025

 

  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Known as Jacks or Whistling Jacks in Isles of Scilly, Cornwall and Devon. Spreads freely from cormlets.
    Pests & Diseases
    Slugs, thrips, aphids, grey mould(Botrytis).
    Place of origin
    Spain, northwestern Africa, Italy (Sicily).
  • Flower Shape
    Spikes
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suits a mixed or herbaceous border
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Seasonal Interest
    Spring
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile well drained soil
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
    People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
to 1m (3ft)
bulb/corm - guide for size not form Watering Can
  8cm (3in)
 

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