Overview
Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) is a upright bulbs in the genus Gladiolus, part of the Iridaceae family, with green foliage. Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) 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 'Shakespeare' is a cultivar of Gladiolus, a genus of perennial plants in the Iridaceae family that grow from corms and feature upright habit with clusters of long, narrow, sword-like green leaves. This cultivar produces tall flower spikes with funnel-shaped blooms, thriving best in full sun and well-drained, neutral loam soil. Suitable for sheltered south, west, or east-facing aspects, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and ideal for summer interest in borders, containers, or as cut flowers. Plant corms after the last frost and stake if necessary for support.
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 'Shakespeare' (L) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Upright
- Foliage
- Green
- Suggested uses
- Cut flowers, Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L)
- 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 'Shakespeare' (L)?
Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) need?
Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) hardy in the UK?
Gladiolus 'Shakespeare' (L) 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 'Shakespeare' (L)?
Division, Cormlets.
More in the Gladiolus genus
- Gladiolus 'Adele'
- Gladiolus 'Adrenalin'PBR (L)
- Gladiolus 'Alexandra the Great'PBR
- Gladiolus 'Amber Mystique' (L)
- Gladiolus 'Andre Viette'
- Gladiolus 'Arctic Day' (M/E)
- Gladiolus 'At Night'PBR (L)
- Gladiolus 'August Days' (L)