Make a bold statement in your garden with Gladiolus 'Shaka Zulu', a striking variety prized for its deep, velvety purple blooms that appear nearly black in certain lighting. This dramatic Sword Lily produces tall flower spikes packed with richly colored blossoms, creating stunning contrast in garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements.

Blooming from mid to late summer, 'Shaka Zulu' delivers exceptional garden performance with strong stems, long-lasting flowers, and impressive height. Its dark blooms pair beautifully with white, pink, yellow, and silver-toned flowers, making it a favorite for cottage gardens, pollinator landscapes, moon gardens, and cut flower production.

An excellent choice for gardeners looking to add depth, elegance, and dramatic color to their summer displays.

Key Features

• Deep purple blooms with near-black appearance
• Tall flower spikes create dramatic vertical interest
• Excellent cut flower with long vase life
• Attracts butterflies and pollinators
• Thrives in full sun
• Easy-to-grow summer flowering bulb
• Perfect focal point for garden borders
• Popular in dramatic floral arrangements

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Gladiolus 'Shaka Zulu'
• Common Name: Dark Sword Lily
• Plant Type: Perennial Bulb (Corm)
• Flower Color: Deep Purple to Near Black
• Foliage Color: Green
• Mature Height: 48–60 Inches
• Spread: 6–12 Inches
• Growth Habit: Upright Clumping
• Bloom Season: Mid to Late Summer
• Light Requirements: Full Sun
• Water Needs: Average
• Soil Requirements: Well-Drained Soil
• Hardiness Zones: 7–10 (Lift corms in colder zones)
• Characteristics: Pollinator Friendly, Excellent Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Long Blooming

Garden Uses

Cut flower gardens
Gothic and dark-themed gardens
Cottage gardens
Mixed perennial borders
Pollinator gardens
Mass plantings
Back-of-border focal points
Floral design and bouquet production

Companion Plants

Create stunning contrast by pairing 'Shaka Zulu' with:

• White Prosperity Gladiolus
• Echinacea ‘White Swan’
• Shasta Daisy
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Yarrow
• Ornamental Grasses
• Silver Artemisia

These companions highlight the rich dark blooms and provide season-long interest.

Planting & Care

• Plant corms in spring after danger of frost has passed
• Place corms 4–6 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart
• Grow in full sun for best flowering
• Water regularly during active growth
• Stake if planted in windy locations
• Deadhead spent flowers to maintain appearance
• Allow foliage to mature naturally after flowering
• Lift corms before winter in colder climates

For extended blooms, plant successive batches every 2 weeks through early summer.

Shipping Information

Plant Condition

• Ships as healthy bareroot corms ready for planting

Shipping Notes

• Orders begin shipping in MARCH
• Carefully packaged for safe delivery
• Free USPS Ground shipping on qualifying orders over $35
• Weather-related shipping delays may occur to protect plant health

Care Guarantee

We guarantee healthy bulbs upon arrival. If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with photos of the plant and packaging for a replacement or refund.