Gladiolus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae), known for its tall flower spikes and large, showy blooms. Here's a quick to get you started:
🌸 Key Features
Common name: Sword lily
Height: 2–5 feet tall, depending on the variety
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Colors: Wide range — red, pink, yellow, white, purple, green, and bi-color varieties
🌱 Growing Gladiolus
Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. In colder climates, corms need to be lifted and stored over winter.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)
Planting depth: 4–6 inches deep
Spacing: 6 inches apart
Staking: Tall varieties may need support
🌾 Tips for Success
Succession planting: Plant a few corms every 2 weeks in spring for continuous blooms.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during growth but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when planting and again when buds form.
Cut flowers: Gladiolus make excellent cut flowers — harvest when the lower three buds on the spike are just opening.
❄️ Winter Care (Cold Climates)
After first frost, lift the corms, dry them for a week, then store them in a cool, dry place (like a basement or garage) in a breathable container.
Here's a guide to help you pick gladiolus varieties based on your preferences — whether you're looking for color, size, bloom time, or purpose (e.g., cut flowers or garden borders):
🎨 By Color
Red:
'Red Majesty' – Rich, velvety red, dramatic in bouquets.
'Espresso' – Deep burgundy-red with a sophisticated tone.
Pink:
'Fiorentina' – Soft pink with ruffled petals, romantic and classic.
'Frizzled Coral Lace' – Coral-pink with frilly edges, very showy.
White/Cream:
'White Prosperity' – Pure white, elegant, tall spikes.
'Green Star' – Pale greenish-white; very unique.
Purple:
'Purple Flora' – Bold purple; great contrast with yellows and whites.
'Plum Tart' – Deep plum, nearly black in some lights.
Yellow/Orange:
'Nova Lux' – Bright yellow, great for cheerful borders.
'Princess Margaret Rose' – Orange with red and yellow streaks.
🌿 By Use or Style
For Cut Flowers:
Look for tall, straight spikes with long vase life:
'Traderhorn' (red with white throat)
'Peter Pears' (apricot-peach)
'Spic and Span' (coral-pink with orange undertones)
Compact Gardens or Containers:
Try dwarf or miniature gladiolus:
Gladiolus nanus ‘Atom’ – Red with a white edge, only about 2 feet tall
Charm' Series – Includes smaller varieties for pots or tight spaces
For Bold or Tropical Looks:
Use hot color combos like:
'Black Velvet' – Dark maroon-black
'Zizanie' – Red with striking white splashes
⏰ By Bloom Time
Early bloomers (start in June):
'Advance Red'
'Glamini Mix' (a dwarf early series)
Mid to late season (July–August):
Most traditional hybrids fall into this category, like 'Peter Pears' or 'White Prosperity'
