Gladioli Corms

Gladioli Bulbs

Glamorous gladioli are a sight to behold rising up in flower beds in the summer months. Their spear-like leaves support tall spires with lots of large-petalled flowers. A quieter option for woodland gardens is Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus which delicately naturalises in the UK. This hardier variety is able to withstand the winter cold, whereas other varieties of the South African genus are best stored indoors. Find answers to frequently asked questions below.

Are there gladioli bulbs for pots?

If you’ve got a small garden or balcony, you can still grow your own delightful gladioli. Choose a heavy bottomed, wide based pot to keep it steady when your plants grow tall and flower in the summer months.

Which gladioli bulbs are best for shade?

Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus is a hardier variety, originally from the Mediterranean, that copes well in shade. It has lovely purple flowers that spread year after year. The showy South African gladioli prefer full sun. If you have deep shade, choose a shade-loving summer flowering bulb like erythronium.

Which gladioli is best for cutting?

All gladioli bulbs make excellent cut flowers, but the acid green Gladiolus 'Green Star' is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re after a more minimalist palette. The unusual flowers are eye-catching in their own right and are an excellent foil for white.