Overview
Gladiolus humilis is a upright bulbs in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with green foliage. Gladiolus humilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cut flowers, borders and containers.
About
Gladiolus humilis is a perennial cultivar of the Gladiolus genus, known for its upright habit and green foliage. Like other Gladiolus plants, it grows from corms and produces tall flower spikes with funnel-shaped blooms. It thrives in full sun, ideally in a sheltered spot with south, west, or east-facing aspects, preferring well-drained, neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers during the summer season.
About the genus
Gladiolus is a genus of perennial cormous flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae).
Wikipedia contributors, "Gladiolus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gladiolus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gladiolus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Gladiolus humilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Cut flowers, Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gladiolus humilis
- Propagation
- Division, Cormlets
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Botrytis, Fusarium bulb rot, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus humilis?
Gladiolus humilis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus humilis need?
Gladiolus humilis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gladiolus humilis hardy in the UK?
Gladiolus humilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Gladiolus humilis?
Division, Cormlets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Gladiolus genus
- Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S)
- Gladiolus 'Rose Laguna'Sword Lily
- Gladiolus byzantinuseastern gladiolus, Byzantine gladiolus, Byzantine sword-lily
- Gladiolus callianthusAbyssinian gladiolus
- Gladiolus cardinaliswaterfall gladiolus
- Gladiolus dalenii 'Boone'
- Gladiolus liliaceusSword Lily
- Gladiolus primulinus
