The common names for the Hardy half-hardy Acidanthera plant, which grows from a bulb, include Abyssinian, Sword Lily, Abyssinian sword lily, Fragrant gladiolus, and Sword Lily.
NB the Acidanthera has recently been classified into the Gladiolus plant genus.
Abyssinian Sword Lily photograph by Living in Monrovia.
Acidanthera typically flowers from late summer to autumn. Some common species and varieties include Acidanthera bicolor and Acidanthera murielea; it is also commonly refered to as Gladiolus callianthus.
G.A. Cooper @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Acidanthera bicolor - (Gladiolus Callianthus) picture by audreyjm529
Abyssinian sword lily is native to Africa.
Acidanthera carry sword shaped leaves with long pointed white flowers. These have a brown centre.
Acidanthera murielae syn. Gladiolus murielae syn. Gladiolus callianthus
Acidanthera murielae (Abyssinian Gladiolus / Fragrant Gladiolus), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
It is best to plant Acidanthera bulbs at a depth of 9 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches). Use a spacing of about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) apart in the late spring.
Sword lilies prefers light, and should be grown in areas that receive full sunlight.
If starting Acidanthera plants indoors for later transplanting, then they should be sown in the spring.
Acidanthera bicolor and similar plants require between 30 to 90 days for germination. Do so at a temperature of 10 to 13 degrees Celsius (50 to 55°F).
The soil in which Acidanthera plants grow should be well drained. Plants require regular watering during the growing season, and monthly feeds of liquid fertiliser.
I hope that you found this guide on how to grow grow Acidanthera plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Safflower, Zinnia elegans, and Helichrysum plants.