About
This impressive sword lily, with bold, strap-like leaves and commanding flower stems. A dramatic flower spike bearing closely-set, open-faced blooms rises above the foliage in midsummer. The cultivar 'Fireglobe' is a reliable performer.
About the genus
Gladiolus are cormous perennials with fans of sword-shaped or linear leaves and spikes of funnel-shaped flowers
Plant details
Suggested usesBorders, cutting gardens, containers. Outstanding as cut flowers.
Care notes
CultivationPlant corms 10-15cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun after last frost. Stake tall varieties.
PruningCut flower spikes when lowest buds open. Lift corms after foliage yellows in autumn; store frost-free.
PropagationSeparate cormlets when lifting in autumn. Grow on for 2-3 years to flowering size.
Pest resistanceThrips can damage flowers and foliage. Western flower thrips especially troublesome.
Disease resistanceBotrytis, fusarium corm rot, and gladiolus scab. Discard affected corms. Rotate planting sites.