Gladiolus saundersii inflorescence

The unscented, bright red inflorescence of Gladiolus saundersii grows on a stout, about straight stem, sometimes slightly inclined. From two to nine flowers may be grown, typically about four.

The two bracts around each corolla base are nearly equal, diverging in picture at their tips like green beaks. The outer one is folded, around 6 cm long. The inner one is slightly smaller with a forked tip.

The flowers face sideways or droop, only the buds up top, usually last to open if they ever do, face up.

Bloomtime is from before midsummer to early autumn (Pooley, et al, 2025; Manning, 2009; Goldblatt and Manning, 1998; Pooley, 1998; Trauseld, 1969; iNaturalist).