Gladiolus italicus (Field Gladiolus)
Field Gladiolus, Italian Gladiolus, Common Sword-Lily, Cornfield Gladiolus, Gladiolus segetum
Gladiolus italicus (Field Gladiolus) is an upright, cormous perennial boasting loose spikes of up to 20 pinkish-purple flowers, 2 in. long (5 cm), in late spring to early summer. Each flower is adorned with paler pink markings on the lower petals, and long stamens and styles protruding from the throat. They are borne above slender, sword-shaped, dark green leaves. Distributed across Southern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean, Field Gladiolus prefers hot, dry conditions in summer once it goes dormant.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 4-6 in. wide (10-15 cm).
- Performs best in full sun in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering. In milder areas provide a thick, protective winter mulch.
- Puts a terrific show in beds and borders when mixed with other perennials or ornamental grasses. Great for cutting too!
- No serious pest and disease issues. Keep an eye out for gladiolus thrip, aphids, slugs, gray molds, and gladiolus corm rot.
- Propagate by separating cormlets when dormant.
- Lift when the foliage dies back, discard old corms and store new corms in a dry frost-free place until planting in the spring.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Southern Europe, Asia.
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Impressive Gladiolus Flowers
Prized for their majestic flower spikes, are popular flower bulbs. Whether used in borders, containers or as cut flowers, Gladiolus (Sword-Lilies) always provide a spectacular effect with their rich and cheerful colors and their breathtaking vertical lines. With very little work needed, they will burst into bloom and add bright notes of summer color to the garden, in your pots or inside your home. However, some basic rules need to be followed to enjoy beautiful and impressive flowers for several months.Read More
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Gladiolus - Sword Lilies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
Depth | 6" (15cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Jelena Safronova, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Gladiolus - Sword Lilies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 4" – 6" (10cm – 15cm) |
Spacing | 6" (15cm) |
Depth | 6" (15cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |