Gladiolus dalenii subsp. dalenii

Gladiolus dalenii subsp. dalenii, sometimes commonly referred to as parrot-beak gladiolus, is cultivated widely for its attractive summer and autumn flowers. The plant grows to nearly a metre in height. A few narrowly sword-shaped to linear, ribbed leaves grow from the perennial corm. 

Flowers appear simultaneously with the leaves. The unscented flowers are seen from summer to autumn. Flower colour is quite variable, with orange, red and yellow ones occurring in habitat and cultivation. Flowers are six-tepalled, the outer three being bigger. The flower tube curves outwards and the stamens are exserted. 

The fruit capsule is ovoid. The seeds are broadly winged.