Gladiolus
Gladiolus
Gladiolus is a tall summer bulb that sends up dramatic spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in nearly every color, a staple of cutting gardens and floral arrangements.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Keep evenly moist during growth
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Gladiolus, often called sword lily for its blade-like leaves, is a cormous plant grown for its tall, showy flower spikes. Florets open from the bottom up over many days, making them excellent cut flowers.
Most garden glads are hybrids derived largely from South African species. In cold climates the corms are lifted and stored over winter, then replanted each spring.
How to identify it
Unmistakable for its towering, one-sided spike of large flared blooms.
- Flowers: funnel-shaped, often ruffled, in nearly every color, ranked along a tall spike, opening bottom to top
- Leaves: stiff, upright, sword-shaped, in a fan
- Height: 60-150 cm, often needing staking
- Underground: flattened corm that renews each year
Care & growing
Glads need warmth, sun, and support.
- Light: full sun
- Water: keep soil evenly moist while growing and flowering
- Soil: fertile, well-drained, loose
- Planting: set corms in spring after frost; stagger plantings for continuous bloom; stake tall spikes
- Storage: in cold areas, lift corms after foliage yellows and store dry over winter
Habitat & origin
The genus is centered in South Africa, with additional species in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and tropical Africa.
Wild species grow in grasslands and rocky slopes. Modern hybrids are grown worldwide as summer-flowering garden and commercial cut-flower plants, lifted in frost-prone regions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to dig up gladiolus corms in winter?
In cold climates yes; lift the corms after the foliage dies back and store them dry until spring replanting.
Why are my gladiolus stems falling over?
The tall spikes are top-heavy and usually need staking, especially in wind or rich soil.
How do I get a long season of glads?
Plant corms in batches every two weeks from spring into early summer for continuous blooms.
When do gladiolus flowers open?
Florets open sequentially from the bottom of the spike upward over a week or more, ideal for cutting.
Gladiolus guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Gladiolus.
