Red and purple glads enhance the colorful stems of the perennial ‘Matrona’ sedum, which blooms in late summer. Photo courtesy Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center
Glads are one of those old-fashioned plants that many modern gardeners shun, thinking the flowers worthy only of funeral arrangements.
However, these stalks of funnel-shaped flowers punctuate the summer garden with long-lasting vertical color, especially when planted in succession.
Glads (Gladiolus) are a tender bulb and won’t likely survive an Indiana winter in the ground. Glads are susceptible to a lot of diseases, so some growers recommend that you not dig them up to winter over. To reduce the chance of disease, do not plant glads in the same spot year after year.
Gladiolus comes in single, bi- and tri-colors and range in height from about 1- to 3 feet. Originally from East Africa, glads start as corms, which look a bit like a flattened bulb. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun, about 4- to 8 inches deep and 4- to 8 inches apart.
Gladiolus corms. Photo courtesy Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center
For the longest season of color, plant a few corms every 10- to 14 days once all danger of frost has past. They take about eight weeks to bloom, so you can plant them through mid-July. Tuck them as singles or in clumps of three to five corms amid perennials or annuals, where they add exclamation points of color. Nearby plants may need to brace the glads, which sometimes lean or get pulled over by the weight of their flowers. Staking may be necessary in windy area.
Shorter types with smaller flowers, such as the ‘Flevo’ series, are ideal for containers, says Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. Figure about seven corms per 10-inch pot, the company said.
Glads can be cut for indoor enjoyment, too, lasting about two weeks in a vase. Cut when the first, or lowest, flower opens.
You should be able to find glad bulbs, either loose or in packets, at garden centers everywhere. Some may even offer pots of the bulbs already planted. Online retailers offer the widest selections, but it may be too late to order for this year. Order summer bulbs in late winter or early spring.