What hardiness zones is Gladiolus Hybrids suitable for?

Gladiolus Hybrids is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Gladiolus Hybrids?

Gladiolus Hybrids requires Full Sun.

How much water does Gladiolus Hybrids need?

Gladiolus Hybrids has Medium water needs.

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Perennials

Gladiolus Hybrids

hardy gladiolus

Iridaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; parent species from South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa

At a Glance

TypeBulb

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height2-5 feet (60-150 cm)

Width6-12 inches (15-30 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 10

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Hummingbirds

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A large group of cormous perennials in the family Iridaceae, derived from complex interspecific hybridization involving numerous South African species. Garden hybrid gladiolus produce fans of upright, sword-shaped leaves 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long from corms planted in spring. Flower spikes rise 2–5 feet (60–150 cm), bearing 12–20 ruffled, funnel-shaped flowers 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across in one-sided rows opening from the base upward. The color range is extraordinary — white, cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, rose, lavender, purple, and near-black, as well as bicolors, picotees, and blends. All parts are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Corms are tender in zones 7 and colder and must be lifted after the first frost, dried, and stored over winter. In zones 8–10, corms can remain in the ground year-round. Staggered plantings every 2–3 weeks from spring through early summer extend the cutting season.

Native Range

Garden hybrid gladiolus are of complex hybrid origin. The primary parent species are native to South Africa, with contributions from G. dalenii (widespread in sub-Saharan Africa) and dozens of other African species. The Mediterranean species G. communis subsp. byzantinus contributes hardiness to some hybrid lines.

Suggested Uses

Grown in cutting gardens and kitchen gardens with successive plantings for a continuous harvest from July through September. In mixed borders, plant corms in groups of 10–15 at 6 inch (15 cm) spacing for the best visual impact. Not effective as isolated single plants in borders. The extraordinary color range and long vase life make them premier cut flowers.

How to Identify

Identified by fans of upright, sword-shaped leaves and tall, one-sided flower spikes bearing large, ruffled funnel-shaped flowers 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across opening from the base upward. The combination of sword leaves, tall spike habit, and large ruffled flowers in a vast color range is diagnostic. Corms are flattened-spherical with a brown tunic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 5'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

yellow

orange

red

pink

lavender

purple

cream

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer

Blooms 70–100 days after corm planting, depending on cultivar and temperature. In zones 5–7, corms planted in mid-April bloom in late June–July; successive plantings through early July provide blooms through September. In zones 8–10 with year-round corms, bloom occurs in summer. Each spike remains in flower for 7–14 days; cut when the bottom 2–3 flowers are open for the longest vase life.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, lavender, purple; bicolors

Foliage Description

medium green, sword-shaped

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant corms 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep and 6 inches (15 cm) apart after last frost in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Stake tall cultivars when spikes emerge. Water consistently during growth and bloom — inconsistent moisture causes corms to split. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when leaves are 6 inches (15 cm) tall and again when spikes show color. In zones 7 and colder, lift corms 6–8 weeks after bloom, allow to dry for 2–3 weeks, clean, and store at 35–50°F (2–10°C) in mesh bags or paper bags through winter. Discard any soft or diseased corms.

Pruning

Cut flower spikes for use when the bottom 2–3 florets are open; leave as much foliage as possible on the plant to allow the corm to ripen. After bloom, cut the spike at ground level but leave all leaves intact until they yellow and die back naturally — the leaves replenish the corm for next year. Do not fold or knot the leaves.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Plant Spacing

6 inches