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Description
Gladiolus Carmineus, also known as the Carmine Gladiolus, is a perennial herbaceous plant with showy flowers that bloom in summer. It belongs to the Iridaceae family and is native to South Africa. The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall and has narrow leaves that are arranged in a fan shape. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have six petals that are arranged in two rows. The petals are bright pink with dark red markings at the base. The flower spikes can have up to 12 flowers and are held high above the foliage, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Gladiolus |
Appearance
Gladiolus Carmineus is a tall, erect plant with narrow, sword-shaped leaves that can grow up to 75 cm long and 1 cm wide. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide. They are bright pink with dark red markings at the base of each petal. The flowers bloom in summer and are held on tall spikes that can grow up to 1 meter long. The spikes can have up to 12 flowers and are held high above the foliage. The plant also produces corms that are used for propagation.
Care Guide
Water: Gladiolus Carmineus needs regular watering during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Gladiolus Carmineus requires full sun to partial shade. Plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gladiolus Carmineus is susceptible to thrips, spider mites, and bulb rot. To prevent thrips and spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and spray with insecticidal soap if necessary. To prevent bulb rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid over-watering.
Habitat
Gladiolus Carmineus is native to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. It grows in rocky grasslands and along streams at elevations of 1200-2400 meters above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I propagate Gladiolus Carmineus?
A: Propagate the plant by dividing the corms in the fall or early spring.Q: Can I grow Gladiolus Carmineus in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and receives enough sunlight.Q: How often should I fertilize Gladiolus Carmineus?
A: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Is Gladiolus Carmineus toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Related Plants
- Gladiolus communis
- Gladiolus grandiflorus
- Gladiolus illyricus
- Gladiolus tristis
References
- “Gladiolus.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287285. Accessed 9 Aug. 2021.
- “Gladiolus Carmineus.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantefg/gladioluscarmineus.htm. Accessed 9 Aug. 2021.
- “Growing Gladiolus.” Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/gladiolus. Accessed 9 Aug. 2021.
