About
A stately gladiolus, with upright, sword-shaped leaves and tall, sturdy stems. A tall spike of large, funnel-shaped flowers opens in succession from the base upward in white shades in midsummer. 'Granny White' is superb for cutting.
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.