Peacock Orchid, Abyssinian Gladiolus, Gladiolus murielae, Sword Lily
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Summer to Early Fall |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 24-36" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 7-11. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 3-6" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 4-6" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Corm |
Acidanthera is native to Ethiopia and Madagascar and is a family member of the gladiolus. This South African native is known for its fragrant, white, star-shaped blooms with deep purple throats. Its narrow stems and slender, sword-like foliage make it perfect for cut flower bouquets and for allowing extra space for other plants in the garden by not taking up a lot of space.
Plant Acidanthera in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Before planting, soak the corms in lukewarm water 3-4 hours to jump start development.
Plant in a sunny location that receives 6 or more hours of sunlight per day. Acidanthera loves soil that is rich, porous and drains well but still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed, add fertilizer and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant in groups of 7 to 9 corms for the best show. Acidanthera corms should be planted 3-6" deep, depending on their size - larger corms should be planted slightly deeper than smaller ones. Water thoroughly at planting. Water regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Apply fertilizer before and after flowering.
In zones 6 and below, corms should be lifted and stored in sand at 50-60ºF to over winter. To avoid soft rot, corms should be dried quickly.
For container planting, plant 10-12 corms per 12" pot. In the fall before the first frost, simply bring the container indoors. The corms will be happy over wintering in the dry soil. Replant in spring with fresh soil. Divide in the fall when needed.
Maintain soil moisture, but do not over water during the growing season. Plant Acidanthera in 2-3 week intervals to provide you with continuous blooms (and cut flowers) all summer and into fall. 
