This rare hybrid of Gladiolus cardinalis is one of the most spectacular of all Glads.  This South African native screams for attention, with bold, red blooms splashed with white on the lower petals.  It's pure joy when these plants come into bloom around May or June.  Some hybrids of Gladiolus cardinalis are more pink or orange, but i guarantee that mine will look identical to the photos.  Genuine bulbs are hard to find.

It grows during the winter and spring, and goes dormant for the summer.  It is not difficult to grow, if you can meet its basic needs.  It should be kept from freezing throughout winter.  During the growing season of November to June, it's happiest below 85 degrees F (29° C), with cool nights.  It's possible it may get stressed in hotter conditions if nights are warm (above 65°F / 18°C).  It enjoys mostly sunny conditions.  It can tolerate less winter sun if given more sun in spring.  It grows well in a small container in well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist.  When the bulb goes dormant in summer, keep the soil relatively dry.  While it's dormant, feel free to separate the baby bulbs it makes.

A whole pot full of Glads!

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Tips on planting the bulbs