About
A cormous perennial to around 90cm tall with dark green, narrow, upright, linear leaves. Funnel-shaped, creamy-white flowers flushed with green or pale yellow open progressively up long, wiry stems in the summer; the flowers emit a fine-textured scent in the evening.
About the genus
Gladiolus are cormous perennials with fans of sword-shaped or linear leaves and spikes of funnel-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
FragranceFlower
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs, not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil, or pots of free-draining compost, in a sunny, sheltered position; allow to go dry and dormant in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by separating cormlets when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to gladiolus thrip, aphids and slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to gladiolus corm rot, grey moulds (Botrytis), Fusarium bulb rot, gladiolus core rot, gladiolus dry rot, gladiolus scab and neck rot, fungal leaf spot, and virus diseases