Photo: Bff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Peacock Orchid
Peacock orchid is a graceful late-summer relative of the gladiolus, bearing nodding white stars marked with a deep maroon central blotch. Native to the Ethiopian highlands, it is treasured above all for its sweet, jasmine-like evening fragrance. Its slender, arching spikes bring an airy elegance that feels far more delicate than a standard gladiolus. Florists reach for it in romantic, garden-style and luxury wedding work where perfume and refinement count.
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | East Africa (Ethiopian highlands) |
| Peak season | August, September |
| Availability | August, September, October |
| Stem length | 50–90 cm |
| Vase life | 7–10 days |
| Colors | white, cream, burgundy, bicolor |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on a slant and remove foliage below the waterline, then condition in cool, clean water with flower food. Buy with the lowest buds just cracking, as the fragrant blooms open in succession up the stem. Pinching off spent lower flowers keeps the spike looking fresh. Keep cool and change water regularly to support the sequential opening.
- •Cut stems on a slant
- •Strip lower foliage
- •Buy with lowest buds cracking
- •Remove spent florets
- •Use flower food
- •Keep cool and hydrated
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Botanical reference
- Common name
- Abyssinian Gladiolus
- Also known as
- Abyssinian gladiolus, acidanthera, fragrant gladiolus, Acidanthera bicolor, Acidanthera murielae, Gladiolus callianthus, Gladiolus muriele, Ixia quartiniana, Sphaerospora gigantea
- Distribution
- Burundi, Chad, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)
Frequently asked questions
When is Peacock Orchid in season?
Peacock Orchid peaks in August, September, and florists can usually source it August, September, October. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Peacock Orchid last in a vase?
Expect 7–10 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Peacock Orchid?
Good substitutes for Peacock Orchid include Gladiolus, Tuberose, Freesia. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Peacock Orchid symbolise?
Peacock Orchid is associated with grace, elegance, sweetness, purity.
How do you care for cut Peacock Orchid?
Cut stems on a slant
Related flowers
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Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Peacock Orchid”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/acidanthera/<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/acidanthera/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Peacock Orchid</a>