General Appearance
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews, commonly known as the bell flowered gladiolus, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is native to South Africa and prefers well-draining sandy soils. The plant produces sword-shaped leaves that grow from a corm, which store nutrients for the plant's growth. The stems can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and carry a spike of bell-shaped flowers.
Uses
The Gladiolus campanulatus has both ornamental and medicinal uses. As an ornamental plant, it is popular among gardeners for its showy, brightly colored flowers, which range from shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. The flowers make excellent cut flowers and are commonly used as decorative elements and in floral arrangements.
The plant also has medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, the corms and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments. For instance, they are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach upsets. The roots and corms are also boiled and used to relieve pain caused by rheumatism, arthritic conditions, and headaches.
Common Names
Aside from its scientific name and the bell flowered gladiolus, the plant is also known by various common names. These include the wild corn flag, African gladiolus, bell gladiolus, and throatwort. The name throatwort is inspired by the plant's purported ability to soothe sore throats.
Light Requirements
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews requires a significant amount of sunshine to grow properly. It prefers to be planted in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Shaded or partially shaded areas should be avoided.
Temperature Requirements
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews grows well in temperatures that range between 60°F and 90°F (16°C-32°C). For optimum growth, the temperature should not fall below 55°F (13°C) or rise above 95°F (35°C). Transplanting should be done after the soil has warmed up to 60°F (16°C) and had time to dry up a little. This usually occurs in mid-spring.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil, which can hold moisture without remaining soggy. A moderate soil texture with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is essential for optimum growth, and it should be rich in organic material. The soil must be fertile and nutrient-rich, with good drainage and an adequate supply of organic matter. A composting mixture of loam, sand, and peat moss can be used to enhance the soil structure.
Cultivation methods
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews can be grown in containers or in the ground. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining. Plant the corms in the spring or fall, about 4-6 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart. Choose a site that receives full sun or partial shade, depending on your climate.
Watering needs
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews requires regular watering during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant enters dormancy.
Fertilization
Fertilize Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every two to three weeks during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, or use compost or well-rotted manure as a natural alternative. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak stems and foliage.
Pruning
To encourage bigger blooms, pinch off the side buds and smaller flowers, leaving only the central spike. After the flowers have faded, cut the stalks back to the base of the plant. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish the corms. Avoid removing the leaves prematurely, as this can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to flower the following year.
Propagation of Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews can be propagated using various methods like division, corm and seed propagation. The plant is known to produce bulblets, which can be separated from the mother plant and used to propagate new plants.
Division Propagation
The division method is most commonly used to propagate Gladiolus campanulatus. It involves digging up the corms during the dormant season, dividing them and planting them individually. Each new plant should have at least one bud and a portion of the root system attached. The corms should be planted back in the same soil, at a depth of around 10 cm.
Corm Propagation
Corm propagation is another method of propagating Gladiolus campanulatus. It involves using cormels that are produced at the base of the mature corm. These cormels can be separated from the parent corm and planted in their own pots or in the ground. They should be planted at a depth of around 5 cm.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a less commonly used method for propagating Gladiolus campanulatus, as it can take longer to produce new plants. The seeds should be sown in pots during the spring or summer, and kept in a warm, moist environment until they germinate. The seedlings can then be transplanted into their own pots or into the ground.
Disease Management
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews is vulnerable to a variety of diseases, including:
- Fusarium corm rot
- Botrytis blight
- Anthracnose
- Virus diseases
To manage these diseases:
- Remove infected plant material promptly and dispose of it away from the garden.
- Avoid overhead watering and water plants at the base to prevent fungal growth.
- Do not plant gladiolus in the same spot two years in a row to reduce disease development.
- Apply fungicidal sprays to protect against the development and spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Gladiolus campanulatus Andrews is also susceptible to several pests, such as:
- Thrips
- Corm maggots
- Spider mites
- Bulb flies
To manage these pests:
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control thrips and spider mites.
- Planting gladiolus in well-draining soil conditions, such as sandy soils and avoiding overwatering, can help to reduce corm maggot and bulb fly infestation.
- Use row covers to protect the young plants from pests like corm maggots.
- Clean tools and equipment such as pots properly so that they are sterilized as this will also help to prevent diseases and pests.
