Gladiolus Bananarama (Sword-Lily)

Incredibly showy, Gladiolus ‘Bananarama’ features large, elegantly ruffled, golden yellow flowers. The blossoms are arranged closely and symmetrically on strong and erect spikes rising above pointed sword-like leaves. Since the flowers open from the bottom of the spike up, sword-lilies provide a long-lasting floral display, each flowering spike blooming for up to two weeks.

Incredibly showy, Gladiolus 'Bananarama' features large, elegantly ruffled, golden yellow flowers. The blossoms are arranged closely and symmetrically on strong and erect spikes rising above pointed sword-like leaves. Since the flowers open from the bottom of the spike up, sword-lilies provide a long-lasting floral display, each flowering spike blooming for up to two weeks.

  • Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm). The bigger the corm, the more chance it will produce larger plants and more spectacular flowers.
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils except clay. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
  • Ideal for cutting, this sword-lilies deserve a prime spot in beds, borders and are well suited for containers.
  • Sword-Lilies bloom for 2 weeks or so. To extend their colorful show, you may plant them every two weeks from the last frost date until early summer. It typically takes 10-12 weeks from planting to flowering.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Gladiolus – Sword Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 4"
– 5"
(10cm
– 12cm)
Spacing 5″ (12cm)
Depth 6"
(15cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden