Gladiolus mureliae

Gladiolus mureliae, Abyssinian Gladiolus, is often erroneously referred to by its synonym, Acidanthera mureliae or the older, Acidanthera bicolor or even the infraspecific Acidanthera bicolor var mureliae or as a cultivar, Acidanthera bicolor 'Mureliae'. Whatever it is referred to as, it is a stunning plant, endemic to Eastern Africa and as different to the typical image of a Gladiolus as it is possible to get. Tall, elegant, showy and refined, it is a stunningly beautiful flower yet simple in its structure: six white petals with a dark purple-black centre. The flowers have a nodding habit, adding to their charm... and they are fragrant.

Gladiolus mureliae requires a rich yet gritty, well-drained soil and a sunny aspect. They are very tall growing so will appreciate a location sheltered from strong winds.

After the plants have flowered and the foliage has died down, they can be cut back and the corms lifted for winter. Adventurous gardeners in warmer drier locations can experiment with laying a deep mulch and leaving the bulbs in the ground overwinter.