Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) — Columnar upright

Overview

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' is a cultivar of Gladiolus in the iris family (Iridaceae) with a columnar upright habit. It flowers from July to September and is valued for cut spikes and planted rows in borders and beds. The foliage is deciduous and the cultivar favours a south-facing, sheltered position in full sun. Plant in loam that is neutral in pH and well drained; its UK rating H3 means it is borderline hardy and may need winter protection in colder districts.

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

In the garden

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' belongs to the genus Gladiolus (Iridaceae) and presents the vertical, columnar habit typical of gladioli, making it a clear structural presence where planted in groups. Flowering runs from July to September, when the plants provide long flowering spikes that are commonly used for cutting as well as for edging mixed borders and dedicated flower beds. Give Gladiolus 'Nicholas' a sunny, south-facing site that is sheltered from cold winds. It performs best in loam with a neutral soil pH and must be planted into soil that drains freely; waterlogged conditions are detrimental. Its UK hardiness H3 is classed as borderline hardy, so in areas with severe winter conditions consider lifting corms or applying insulation to the crown to reduce winter loss. Planting in small groups or a dedicated row makes harvesting for vases straightforward and reinforces the columnar effect in the border. For best cut-flower results, harvest stems as the lower florets begin to open and recut the base before placing stems in clean water; this keeps the focus on the flowering spikes rather than on general maintenance.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Gladiolus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Columnar upright
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S)

Propagation: Division, separating cormlets when dormant
Pest resistance: Gladiolus thrip, aphids, slugs
Disease resistance: Gladiolus corm rot, grey moulds (Botrytis), Fusarium bulb rot, gladiolus core rot, gladiolus dry rot, gladiolus scab and neck rot, fungal leaf spot, virus diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S)?

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) need?

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) hardy in the UK?

Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S) has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Gladiolus 'Nicholas' (S)?

Division, separating cormlets when dormant.

More in the Gladiolus genus

Browse all Gladiolus →