The rare Gladiolus cardinalis is one of the most spectacular of all Glads.  This South African native screams for attention, with vivid red blooms splashed with white on the lower petals.  It's pure joy when these plants come into bloom, around May or June.  This is a hard plant to find.  In my experience, some plants sold as "Gladiolus cardinalis" turn out to be pink or orange hybrids.  I guarantee that my plants will look identical to the photos! 

Gladiolus cardinalis grows during the winter and spring, and goes dormant for the summer.  It is not difficult to grow, if you provide its basic requirements.  It needs temperatures above freezing throughout the winter.  I'm not sure how much heat it can take, but it should do fine below 85 degrees F (29°C) during the growing season of November to June (in the Southern hemisphere, May to December).   It grows well in a small container in well-draining soil.  When the bulb goes dormant in the summer, keep the soil relatively dry.  Each year, the plant will make some baby bulbs, which you may separate.

A whole planter-full of Glads!

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Tips on planting the bulbs