Gladiolus: varieties, growing and uses

Three very different flower spikes

Grandiflorus hybrids give large flowers on sturdy spikes. Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus is a hardier botanical choice for looser borders. Gladiolus murielae, also sold as acidanthera, gives different white/dark markings. These are type/species choices; unlabelled colour bags get no invented identities.

Spread the bouquet season

Split purchased corms into small batches and note planting dates. Label planted patches. One round is easy but may give a short flower peak. Successive spring plantings spread cutting; weather still matters, so expect no exact flowering day per corm.

Support for a narrow plant

Netting above a cutting row helps flower spikes grow upright; in a border you can use individual canes. Do not pull a flower spike tightly against a cane. It needs to grow and move a little. Install supports while you can still see where the corms are, so you do not damage them.

A label accompanies the stored crop

Label each tuber batch when lifting. White, pink and red flowers are no longer recognisable on winter tables. Keep only healthy, dry stock and inspect regularly. Give hardier botanical types separate cards to avoid automatically treating them like summer hybrids.

Scent, flavour and use

This selection is for ornamental and cut flowers, with no claims about edibility or flavour.

Care, cutting and harvesting

Plant corms in a sunny position with well-drained soil. For large summer hybrids, RHS gives a depth of around 10–15 cm. Plant in several spring rounds if you do not want everything flowering at once. Water during dry growing periods and provide support in windy spots.

Gladioli are not pinched out like branching annuals. Let healthy leaves build reserves after flowering and yellow naturally. Lift insufficiently hardy summer hybrids in autumn and store dry and frost-free. Byzantine gladioli can remain in the ground in suitable, well-drained locations.

Cut flower spikes for the vase as the lower flowers start to open and leave foliage on the plant so the corm can recover. Keep cultivars or types separate when lifting. Small cormlets can be grown on separately; they do not immediately guarantee a large flowering plant.