GLADIOLUS

Gladiolus, often referred to as "glads" or the "Sword Lily” named after the gladiators due to the shape of their sword-like leaves.  They are tall flowering plants known for their spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers. They come in a wide range of colours from soft pastels to vibrant hues and can grow from 60 cm to 1.5 meters depending on the variety. Gladiolus bloom in succession from the bottom up, creating a striking vertical display. These summer-blooming bulbs are not hardy and need to be lifted in the fall before the first frost to prevent damage.

To extend the colour in your garden, it is a good idea to plant gladiolus corms in intervals, spaced out by a week or so. This staggered planting will allow for a longer blooming period, providing colour in your garden for several weeks. However, gladiolus only bloom once per season, so once they have finished flowering they are done for the year.

Gladiolus thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and often require staking due to their tall, upright stems. Bees are especially attracted to glad's making them a great addition to any garden looking to support pollinators. Despite needing a bit of extra care, gladiolus is a fantastic choice for adding height, colour, and drama to flower beds and borders.