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Night Gladiolus Wikimedia Commons
Iridaceae

Night Gladiolus

Gladiolus tristis

Mystery and hidden beauty.

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Gladiolus
Native to
South Africa
Bloom season
Spring
Type
bulbous perennial
Height
2-4 feet
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, sandy
Water
moderate
Hardiness
7-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Night gladiolus releases its powerful, sweet, clove-like fragrance only after dusk, which is how it earned its common name.
  • The species name 'tristis' means sad in Latin, possibly referring to the pale, subdued color of the flowers.
  • It is pollinated primarily by long-tongued hawkmoths that are active at night and drawn by the intense evening scent.
  • Unlike its showy garden gladiolus relatives, night gladiolus has subtle, understated flowers that belie its incredible fragrance.
  • It is one of the hardiest gladiolus species and can survive mild frosts, unlike most tropical gladiolus varieties.

Color meanings

0

night beauty

1

mystery

2

hidden fragrance

Uses

  • fragrant garden
  • ornamental
  • container gardening
  • cut flowers