High Country Gardens
Peacock Orchid Gladiolus murielae
Best fragrant bulb for gardeners wanting low-maintenance, hummingbird-friendly summer blooms.
Discover the enchanting Peacock Orchid (Gladiolus murielae), a captivating bloom from South Africa. This variety graces gardens with elegant spikes of white flowers, each delicately accented with a pink center, from mid-summer until the first frost. Its strong, sweet fragrance makes it an ideal choice for bouquets. Easy to grow and deer resistant, these bulbs also attract hummingbirds, adding vibrant life to your garden. Plant in spring after the last frost for a stunning display.
$13.59
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
310
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, sophisticated floral displays
- Flower enthusiasts who enjoy fragrant indoor arrangements
- Busy gardeners wanting reliable, low-maintenance summer color
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners avoiding seasonal bulb storage
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, early-season blooms
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer self-supporting plants
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
A powerful, sweet scent that easily perfumes an entire garden area.
Pollinator appeal
High-nectar blooms act as a reliable magnet for local hummingbirds.
Growth versatility
Thrives equally well in garden beds or compact container arrangements.
Deer resistance
Reliably deters browsing wildlife, protecting your display from unwanted grazing.
Cut flower longevity
Sturdy stems and elegant blooms make for long-lasting, fragrant indoor bouquets.
Ease of cultivation
Low-maintenance requirements make these bulbs perfect for novice gardeners.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-10
Mature Height
18-24 inches
Plant Life Cycle
Annual in colder zones, Perennial in zones 8-10
Flower Type
Gladiolus
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Late Summer
Planting Season
Spring, Summer
Deer Resistance
Deer Resistant
Features
- Striking white and pink blooms
- Sweet, captivating fragrance
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Deer resistant
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Blooms mid-summer to frost
- Easy to grow
- Ideal for containers
What customers say
Consumer feedback highlights the superior quality and reliability of the Peacock Orchid bulbs. Gardeners frequently report excellent sprouting success and robust plant health, confirming the product's foundational strength. The primary delight centers on the unique design; the elegant, fragrant white blooms are consistently described as a striking and worthwhile addition, delivering significant aesthetic value to the landscape.
Know before you buy
Gladiolus murielae is a perennial in USDA zones 8-10. If you live in zones 3-7, you should treat them as annuals or dig up the bulbs in the fall to store them indoors over the winter.
Yes, these are excellent for containers. Ensure your pot has good drainage and is deep enough to accommodate the 3.5-inch planting depth.
No, Peacock Orchids are considered deer resistant, making them a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.
You should plant the bulbs in the spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up.
Because they are highly fragrant and have sturdy stems, they make excellent cut flowers. To maximize vase life, cut the stems when the first few buds begin to open.
They prefer average soil moisture and have a low-water tolerance once established. Be sure to plant them in well-draining soil to prevent the bulbs from sitting in water.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$14