In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Acidanthera plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Common names for the Hardy half-hardy Acidanthera plant, which is usually grown from bulbs, include Abyssinian, Sword Lily, Abyssinian sword lily, Fragrant gladiolus, and Sword Lily.
NB the Acidanthera genus has recently been re-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
Abyssinian sword lily is native to Africa.
Acidanthera carry sword shaped leaves with long pointed white flowers. These have a brown centre.
Synonyms: Gladiolus callianthus, Gladiolus murielae, Gladiolus acidanthera
Acidanthera bicolor is a bulbous perennial. Abyssinian Sword Lily grows to about 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall. Plants feature sword-like leaves, and carry bi-colored flowers; these are typically white and maroon.
Acidanthera bicolor - (Gladiolus Callianthus) picture by audreyjm529
This plant enjoys full sun and well-drained soil. It is perfect for mixed borders, cutting gardens, or as a container plant.
Acidanthera murielae syn. Gladiolus murielae syn. Gladiolus callianthus
Acidanthera murielae also known as Gladiolus callianthus 'Murielae', is a bulbous perennial. Fragrant Gladiolus can reache a height of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm). It has sword-shaped leaves and fragrant, star-shaped white flowers.
Acidanthera murielae (Abyssinian Gladiolus / Fragrant Gladiolus), photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
It prefers to grow in a location with full sun and good drainage. It makes an ideal plant for mixed borders, cutting gardens, or containers.
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.
The Acidanthera genus, is now placed in the Gladiolus genus, which consists of about 260 species.
Yes, Acidanthera, also known as Peacock Orchids, are often used in summer flower beds and borders.
The most commonly grown species is Acidanthera bicolor or Gladiolus murielae (Peacock Orchid).
Yes, Acidanthera bicolor (Peacock Orchid) is known for its fragrant, star-shaped white flowers.
Acidanthera prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is ideal for growing in a warm, sheltered spot or in a pot.
Acidanthera is not typically considered invasive in the USA. It is a bulb plant (native to East Africa).
Removal can be achieved by digging up the bulbs. Make sure to get the entire bulb to prevent regrowth.
The Acidanthera genus, also known as Abyssinian gladiolus or Acidanthera, is composed of perennial bulbous plants. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, they thrive in warm climates. Acidanthera plants prefer well-drained soil with organic matter and full sun exposure. These plants require regular watering, especially during their growing season. Acidanthera species are admired for their elegant, white flowers with a prominent purple blotch. They are commonly cultivated for their striking appearance and are often used in cut flower arrangements.
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.