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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