Gladiolus flanaganii

Quick Characteristics:

Gladiolus flanaganii Baker grows on the cliffs of the Drakensberg mountains in KwaZulu-Natal which form the border between Lesotho and South Africa. Long ago, plant collectors would risk death to see/collect these plants, thus it has gained the vernacular name "Suicide Lily". In milder climates maritime, it does well in a very well drained mix, full sun, and occasional watering. Water should be given often during hot spells. Keep the bulbs dry during its winter dormancy.

The photos below were taken by Callan Cohen of plants in habitat.

Photographs 1-2 taken by David Victor are of a wild collected material recently given to him by Danish friends. Photo 3-5 were taken by Nhu Nguyen who grows this in his Berkeley garden in a 1 gallon pot.