About Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel
Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. It is one of the most widely distributed species in the Gladiolus genus. Its distribution spans from eastern South Africa and Madagascar, across tropical Africa, and reaches into western Arabia. This species serves as the main parental species for large-flowered grandiflora Gladiolus hybrids. It is also uncommon within its genus because it includes diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid cytological races. Hybrids bred from this species are often tetraploids. The plant produces five tall flower spikes, bearing flowers that range in color from yellow to scarlet. The flowers are often red-streaked over a yellow base color, and typically have a yellow throat. When grown in cultivation, it prefers a light sandy, neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It requires a sunny, sheltered growing position, and can also grow well in stony, gritty loam soil.
