Peacock Flower (Ethiopian flower)
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Peacock Flower, Abyssinian gladiolus
This plant is a gaudy tropical shrub (or tree) that is native to Madagascar. It has been widely planted in tropical regions, when it’s flowers bloom they are scarlet and occasionally orange. Scientists place this plant in the genus Poinciana.
Scientific Name: Acidanthera bicolor Hochst.
Family: Iridaceaae Synonym: Gladiolus callianthus
Cultural Practices: Plant 3 to 5 inches deep (8-12 cm), 5 to 8 inches apart (12-20 cm) in the spring. Blooming Habits: Fragrant, flowers with burgundy centers, in groups of 3 to 6 flowers, each 3 inches in diameter (7.5 cm), in mid-summer, good as cut flowers.
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-24 USDA: 7-8 with mulch, 9-10 Frost Tolerance: Lift the bulbs in the fall and keep them in a relatively warm place - 55-68 °F (13-20°C), not too dry Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Ethiopia Growth Habits: Erect bulb perennial, 2 to 3 feet tall (60-90 cm); flat round brown corms, similar to Gladiolus, although thicker; sword shaped leaves, up to 3 feet long (90 cm) Watering Needs: Regular water when plant is growing, less when the plant starts blooming, needs good drainage Propagation: Cormlets, seeds
