Gladiolus dalenii aka Maid Of The Mist

Gladiolus dalenii is a corm-forming perennial in the iris family. Common names include dragon's head sword lily and Dalen's gladiolus. It comes from tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, and southwestern Arabia. It grows in grassland and open woods with summer rain. Records also place it in dry meadows and wet sites. Its native climate has a dry season.

The plant forms upright clumps and loses its leaves seasonally. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Clumps spread about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] across. The RHS description gives a height near 3.9 feet [1.2 metres]. An underground corm supports the leaves and flower stem. Each plant bears six to ten long, sword-shaped leaves. These narrow, grey-green leaves can reach 3.9 feet [1.2 metres].

Flowers open along tall spikes in summer. Each spike can bear as many as 14 flowers. The hooded blooms measure 0.26–0.39 feet [0.08–0.12 metres] long. Their colours range from orange to orange-yellow and red. Yellow throats contrast with red marks on the petals. Some flowers have spots, while others have streaks. Gardeners grow this species in beds, borders, and informal gardens. The stems also provide cut flowers. Breeders have used it to develop large-flowered garden forms.

Choose a sheltered place with full sun and fertile soil. The soil should drain well and can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. Plant corms 0.33–0.52 feet [0.10–0.16 metres] deep over sharp sand. Its H3 rating suits mild and coastal parts of Britain. Lift corms once the leaves die back in colder places. Remove old corms and keep new ones dry and frost-free. Replant them in spring. A thick, dry mulch may protect plants in milder areas. Separate small cormlets during dormancy to make more plants. No pruning is needed.

Thrips, aphids, and slugs may attack this species. Diseases include several corm rots, grey mould, scab, and leaf spots. Virus diseases can also occur. PFAF records flowers as food, with anthers removed, and nectar use. Useful Tropical Plants reports local food, medicine, and soap uses. These reports do not establish that the whole plant is safe. RHS warns against eating the corms and notes harm to pets. Wear gloves and protective gear when handling it.