This is an exciting new form of the butterfly glad, which we lovingly refer to as Gladzilla. So far, this cultivar is not nearly as rambunctious but is vigorous. Forming large colonies by bulb offsets as well as seed. Gray/green foliage rises to 16″ in clumps. In mid summer a large display of Ruby pink flowers appear in staggered stems up to 24″. If left to its on devices and just watered a good clump can yield more than a dozen stems. It makes a fantastic cut flower and unopened buds will be forced open in the vase. Full sun and AVERAGE soil with REGULAR water for the first season then light irrigation in subsequent years.It is vigorous enough that you can rely on water alone to check its growth. Very easy to grow cold hardy perennial Gladiolus. Very long lived. Mixes well with other vigorous perennials for full sun and regular water. Not bothered by deer or pests. To 2′ wide as a clump. Winter deciduous. South Africa.
Gladiolus papilio ‘Ruby’
Family: Iridaceae Genus: Gladiolus
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Hot Aspects, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Full Sun
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn6a -5º to -10ºF
Foliage color: Gray-green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous