Acidanthera (Acidanthera murielae syn. Gladiolus murielae, which is also called the Abyssinian gladiolus, callianthus, sword lily, or peacock lily, is a beautiful perennial flowering in the summer. It has grass-like leaves that stand upright and thin stems that can grow up to 1 m tall. Each stem has several white funnel-shaped flowers with purple throats that nod. The flowers are attractive to a range of pollinators, including bees, which visit for nectar and pollen.
Acidanthera works well in cottage gardens and prairie-style planting designs, particularly when planted in drifts. It also makes a great addition to the cutting garden.
With its elegant white blooms and sweet fragrance, acidanthera is a delightful addition to the late summer garden. But getting this exotic bulb off to a strong start takes a little know-how Follow this complete guide to successfully planting your acidanthera bulbs for a bountiful floral display.
Choosing the Best Bulbs
When shopping for acidanthera bulbs bigger is always better. Large bulbs between 4-6 cm already have ample stored energy to fuel the growth of robust foliage and plenty of flowers. Smaller bulbs take longer to bloom and produce less impressive results. Select bulbs that are firm blemish-free, and heavy for their size. Shriveled, mushy, or damaged bulbs often fail to thrive.
Where to Plant for Optimal Growth
Acidanthera thrives in a spot with full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Anything less can result in reduced flowering and floppy growth. Here are two great placement options:
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Flower Beds – Plant bulbs in drifts among other late summer perennials. The sword-like foliage blends perfectly with ornamental grasses and daisy-like flowers.
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Containers – Grow bulbs solo in pots or mix with annuals like zinnias and marigolds. Container growing helps protect bulbs from soggy soils.
When to Plant for Your Region
Acidanthera bulbs resent cold, wet soil and can rot if planted too early. Follow these planting guidelines:
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Zones 8-9 – Plant February through April.
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Zones 6-7 – Plant April through early May once soil warms to 60°F.
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Zones 3-5 – Start bulbs indoors 2 months before last frost. Move outdoors after danger of frost.
Delaying planting until soils are warm ensures bulbs start growing immediately. Rushing planting often results in stunted, non-blooming bulbs.
Preparing the Soil for Healthy Root Growth
Well-prepared soil encourages rapid root establishment and consistent moisture during your bulb’s crucial first few months. Here are some tips:
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Loosen and refine the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Eliminate clumps and rocks that can impede growth.
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Mix a 2-4 inch layer of compost into the top 6 inches of soil to enrich and improve drainage.
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The ideal soil pH for acidanthera is slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5. Adjust as needed with sulfur or lime several weeks before planting.
Taking time to create a high-quality growing environment pays off with vigorous bulbs and abundant blooms.
How Deep to Plant Bulbs for Best Results
Proper planting depth is key to success with acidanthera. Follow these guidelines:
- Extra-large bulbs over 4 cm: Plant 6 inches deep
- Large bulbs 3-4 cm: Plant 5 inches deep
- Medium bulbs 2-3 cm: Plant 4 inches deep
- Small bulbs under 2 cm: Plant 3 inches deep
Deeper depths prevent flopping, while shallower planting of small bulbs prevents rot. Adjust for your specific bulb size.
Planting Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for expert results:
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Dig holes or trenches to the recommended depth based on your bulb size. Space holes or trenches 6 inches apart for proper air circulation.
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Place bulbs root side down in their holes, spaced 4-6 inches apart. Completely cover bulbs with soil.
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Water thoroughly until the soil is moistened to a depth of 8 inches. This removes any air pockets near bulbs.
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Consider applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch like shredded bark or leaves. This insulates soil and retains moisture.
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Label your bulbs if unsure of variety. Sit back and wait for the magic!
Post-Planting Care Tips
Once your bulbs are nestled in the soil, be sure to care for them properly by:
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Watering 1-2 inches per week if rain is lacking. Soak the entire root zone.
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Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly once sprouts appear.
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Weeding diligently to eliminate competition for nutrients and moisture.
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Watching for slugs, snails and other pests that may munch on emerging shoots.
With proper planting and care, your acidanthera bulbs will flourish and reward you with their intoxicating beauty. Just be sure to plant bulbs at the right time, at the proper depth, and take steps to keep them happy.
Common Planting Mistakes to Avoid
While acidanthera is thankfully not fussy, there are a few missteps that can compromise your results. Be mindful to avoid:
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Planting bulbs too early while soils are still cold and wet. This often leads to rot.
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Allowing bulbs to dry out from erratic watering or drought after sprouting. Established roots require constant moisture.
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Crowding bulbs too closely together. This increases humidity and disease risk. Give bulbs ample room to grow.
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Planting bulbs at improper depths. Too deep can bury sprouts while too shallow leads to flopping.
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Neglecting to enrich and improve drainage of heavy or nutrient-poor soils. Acidanthera requires exceptional soil.
With attention to timing, spacing, depth and care, you can circumvent these common errors and achieve acidanthera success.
Troubleshooting Problems
While acidanthera is relatively trouble-free, issues can arise if conditions aren’t ideal:
- Foliage but no flowers – Can indicate overcrowding, insufficient sunlight,
How to prune acidanthera
Acidanthera does not require any pruning. When the first frosts hurt the leaves, you can take the corms off, cut off the leaves, and add them to your compost pile.
How to care for acidanthera
If you’re growing acidanthera in a pot, keep it well watered. Once the foliage appears, add liquid plant feed to the water every few weeks to encourage flowering. If you’re growing it in your garden, add organic matter, nutrients, and organisms that will make the soil healthy with a soil conditioner like home-made compost or composted manure. Once planted, treat your acidanthera like any other herbaceous perennial. Deadhead after flowering to ensure the plant does not put any energy into producing seeds.
You can leave acidanthera in the ground over the winter in coastal and mild areas of the south of the UK. Let the leaves die back and cover the area with a thick mulch to keep the corms warm. If not, you can either dig up the corms, compost them, and plant new ones the next year, or you can lift them, let them dry, and store them somewhere dark, cool, and free of frost until late spring or early summer, when you plant them again.
If your acidanthera isn’t flowering, give it some time. If it’s cool or dry, it may take longer to get going. If you treat your acidanthera like a perennial—that is, you leave it in the ground over the winter or plant it again the next year—it might not flower as much the second time around. This is because the energy stored in the corms is used up by making leaves and flowers, so they may not flower for a year while they rebuild their energy stores.
To get more flowers, make sure the plants are well fed while they’re growing, condition the soil once a year (or replace it if you’re growing acidanthera in a pot), and use a liquid plant food when the leaves start to show.
Growing Acidanthera / Gladiolus Murielae
FAQ
When should acidanthera bulbs be planted?
Do Acidanthera come back every year?
Where is the best place to plant Acidanthera?
How deep to plant Acidanthera murielae?
Should I deadhead Acidanthera?
How do you plant Acidanthera bulbs?
To plant acidanthera bulbs, dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the bulb. Add a handful of compost or organic fertilizer to the bottom of the hole. Place the bulb in the hole, with the pointed end up. Cover the bulb with soil and water thoroughly. Acidanthera bulbs are relatively easy to care for.
Are Acidanthera bulbs easy to grow?
Acidanthera bulbs are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With proper care, acidanthera bulbs will bloom for many years to come. Acidanthera bulbs are a type of gladiolus that are native to South Africa. They are characterized by their long, sword-shaped leaves and their showy, fragrant flowers.
How do you grow Acidanthera?
Acidanthera works well in cottage gardens and prairie-style planting designs, particularly when planted in drifts. It also makes a great addition to the cutting garden. Grow acidanthera in a sheltered spot in full sun. For the best display, acidanthera needs fertile soil that is moist and free-draining, but it can also tolerates some drought.
How far apart should Acidanthera bulbs be planted?
Acidanthera bulbs can be planted in beds, borders, or containers. If you are planting them in a bed or border, space the bulbs 6-8 inches apart. If you are planting them in containers, use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. To plant acidanthera bulbs, dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the bulb.