Gladiolus are funnel-shaped blooms that grow on tall flowering spikes and have showy blooms. The bright floral displays of red, purple, pink, orange, white, yellow, and multi-colored flowers that flowering perennial gladiolus plants create in garden landscapes are stunning. Furthermore, the vertical blooming flower stalks of the lovely gladiolus flowers are adorned with plain, frilly, ruffled, or semi-ruffled petals. Summer is when gladiolus blooms, and they last until the weather gets chilly.
There is a type of gladiolus flower that will suit your landscape because there are so many species and varieties of gladiolus flowers. Some of the smallest gladiolus flower spikes have little flowers with diameters of 2 inches (5 centimeters) and are 12 inches (30 centimeters) tall. On tall flower stalks growing 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, the largest funnel-shaped blooms are more than 5 inches (13 cm) broad.
The most beautiful gladiolus flowers are covered in this article. The perfect blossoming plants for your garden will be helped by descriptions and pictures of gladiolus blooms with showy petals, trumpet shapes, and many colors.
Gladiolus Facts
Gladiolus is a genus of iris-like flowering perennial plants with slender leaves and beautiful blooms. Each bloom stalk of the gladiolus plant may contain between one and 30 funnel-shaped blooms, depending on the size of the corm. Gladiolus plants are recognized by narrow, deep-green sword-shaped leaves, in addition to the ornamental flowers.
Gladioli is a genus of around 300 species, with the majority being endemic to South Africa. Tall showy gladiolus blooms make stunning cut flower floral arrangements, and most gladiolus hybrids are derived from the main species, such as ‘Primulines,’ ‘Grandiflorus, and ‘Nanus.
Gladiolus (or gladiola) means “small sword” in Latin and is derived from the term for “sword.” Due to its slender flower stalk and lily-like blooms, the gladiolus plant is sometimes referred to as sword lily. The plants are also referred to as “glads” by some individuals. In USDA zones 8 through 11, all gladiolus plants are cold-hardy.
Gladiolus, on the other hand, is winter hardy in zones 5 to 10. Gladiolus bulbs in colder regions need a protective layer of straw during the winter. Dig up each gladiolus corm in the autumn and store all the bulbs in a cool, dark place until spring if your area experiences harsh winters.
Gladiolus Flower
Gladiolus flowers come in a variety of hues and hue combinations, and are known as “summer bulbs.” From early or late summer until the first frost, gladiolus blooms continuously. The funnel shape of the blooms growing on one side of the tall bloom stalk is what distinguishes them.
Gladiolus blooms may reach a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters). Back of the bed planting or planting along a high fence are ideal for the tall gladiolus types. To enjoy the bright colors of smaller gladiolus types all summer and autumn, choose them for a flower border. Depending on the species used in the hybrid, gladiolus flowers come in three distinct forms. The following are the items on the list:
- Gladiolus grandiflora hybrids—Up to 30 flowers per spike on large, funnel-shaped blooms.
- Gladiolus primulinus hybrid flowers—Ruffled petals and contrasting flower colors characterize hooded-type flowers.
- Gladiolus nanus hybrids—With hooded flowers and lance-shaped narrow leaves, these little hybrids are the tiniest of the gladiolus flowers.
The iris-like gladiolus plants suit any landscape because of the wide range of gladiolus flower colors and color combinations.
How to Plant Gladiolus Bulbs
Plant gladiolus corms in the brightest area of your garden after the last frost in spring. Plant the corms 4 inches (10 cm) deep and 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart, spacing them 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Well-drained soil with a balanced fertility is ideal for the garden.
After planting, water generously, and throughout the summer, water frequently. Plant the bulbs in rows if you want to produce gladioli for cut flower arrangements. If you want to create a spectacular floral display in a summer garden, plant the gladiolus bulbs in clusters of seven or more.
Types of Gladiolus Flowers (With Pictures)
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most gorgeous gladiolus blossoms:
Gladiolus Flower ‘Prins Claus’
The flowers of Gladiolus nanus have gorgeous pure white petals with vivid fuchsia leaf-shaped markings. This hardy gladiolus nanus hybrid produces white blooms at the extremities of towering flower spikes that can reach 3 feet (1 meter) in height. Early summer sees the blooming of white and pink gladiolus blooms, which last through autumn. In zones 5 through 11, gladiolus blooms named Prins Claus are winter hardy.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Black Pearl’
Gladiolus ‘Black Pearl’ has dramatic dark burgundy red funnel-shaped flowers that bloom on long flower stalks and are borne in abundance. Flower stalks, which may reach 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height, are suitable for flower beds, pots, and cut gladiolus floral designs. The pointed light green linear leaves contrast with the dark red sword lily flowers.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Alatus Flipphi’
The hooded flowers have triangle upper petals and linear lower petals, and are deep orange and yellow in color. The orange petals contrast with orange-tipped lower yellow petals in the attractive flowers. The flowering gladiolus has long green narrow sword-shaped leaves as well. Plant in the spring and enjoy continuous blooms throughout the summer.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Red Sword Lily’
The gladiolus blooms have brilliant red tubular blooms with many blooms per stem, and they are known as the Red Sword Lily. The frilly petals that produce magnificent brilliant blooms create the lovely crimson gladiolus blooms on the grandiflora hybrid. For support, grow crimson sword lilies along fences, walls, or in flower beds.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Byzantinus’ (Gladiolus communis)
Subspecies communis of Gladiolus The magenta-colored, funnel-shaped blooms of the gladiolus ‘Byzantinus’ are 2″ (5 cm) wide and bloom from late spring to early summer. Up to 15 vividly colored dark pink blooms may be found on each upright flowering stem.
The slender flowering spikes of the Byzantine gladiolus grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) tall, making it one of the tallest varieties. In late spring or early summer, the Byzantine gladiolus magenta or deep pink blossoms bloom. Plant in USDA zones 7 to 10 in well-drained, damp soil in full sun for optimal results.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Priscilla’
The multi-colored flowers of light yellow, pink, and white are stunning on the gladiolus ‘Priscilla.’ On flowering stalks with over 12 blooms per stalk, the spectacular ruffled blossoms bloom profusely. The sword-like leaves bloom early in the summer and last for two weeks on the sturdy, upright floral spikes.
Plant every two weeks to increase the flowering period. Among the most gorgeous of all the tall gladiolus varieties are those called Priscilla. The throat of the ruffled white petals is delicate yellow, while the edges are bright pink. On stems 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) tall, the gorgeous pastel-colored showy blooms bloom.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Star of Bethlehem’
The flowers are magnificent snowy-white blooms with huge wavy petals and a contrastive pink or lilac throat. Gladiolus ‘Star of Bethlehem’ On straight, upright flower stalks, the rising white gladiolus blooms flourish abundantly. Gardens, pots, and cut flower displays are all enhanced by the stunning funnel-shaped white blooms.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Gartengladiole Apricot’
During the summer months, the gladiolus ‘Gartengladiole Apricot’ blooms provide lovely yellow and orange blossoms. The large apricot-colored blooms of this gladiolus variety appear in a funnel shape with somewhat ruffled petals. The tall gladiolus plant has a long blooming season because the upright flowering stalk bloomed at the base of the spike.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Carmineus’
The gladiolus flowers are star-shaped trumpet-like dark pink blossoms that bloom in clusters on thin stems. They are known as the gladiolus ‘Carmineus. Late summer and autumn are when the gladiola flowers bloom. The showy plant grows between 12″ and 20″ (30 – 50 cm) tall as a variant of the gladiolus dwarf varieties.
These blooming plants prefer to be grown in pots or rock gardens, and are sometimes called cliff gladiolas. Gladiolas grow in zones 8 through 10, and they are not tolerant of frost. Dig up the gladiolus corms in the autumn or plant them in containers in temperate areas.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Sericovillosus’
The white blooms of the gladiolus ‘Sericovillosus’ are covered in little black dots and are absolutely gorgeous. The gladiolus blooms range in color from maroon-pinkish to brown, with red speckling on creamy-white petals. The beautiful funnel-shaped blooms are accompanied by long, sword-shaped leaves.
The Sericovillosus thrives in USDA zones 8 to 10, and is also known as the big, speckled gladiolus. Container-grown medium-sized gladiolus is ideal for overwintering indoors because to its summer blossoms. Alternatively, if you want to store the gladiolus corms for planting next spring, dig them up in the autumn.
Gladiolus × hortulanus
The gladiolus x hortulanus is a spectacular light pink gladiolus plant that blooms in a flowering landscape. The hybrid’s white-pink petals, yellow throat, and vivid pink coloration on the three lowest petals are all distinguishing characteristics. Romantic cut flower floral displays are perfect with the gorgeous blooms.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Palustris’
The gladiolus blooms are magenta or rosy-violet funnel-shaped flowers that grow on six stems and have six blooms per stem. The blooming spikes feature little, thin sword-shaped leaves that are 1.6 to 3.5 inches (4 to 9 cm) long, and are also known as marsh gladiolus. Gladiolus flowers have long, upright stems that are 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) tall. Marsh gladiolus blooms bloom in flower gardens from May to July, attracting pollinators.
Gladiolus Illyricus Flowers
The wild gladiolus has hooded magenta or dark lilac showy flowers with large petals and is known as the gladiolus illyricus. This dwarf gladiolus species can be identified by the whitish streaks on the lower petals of its pink-purple blooms. The hardy gladiolus thrives in pots or well-drained ground, growing to a height of 10 inches (25 cm). In zones 5 through 10, wild gladiolus (Gladiolus illyricus) is cold-hardy.
Gladiolus Imbricatus Flower
The plant Gladiolus imbricatus has slender trumpet-shaped deep pink or magenta flowers that are borne in clusters. The slightly ruffled borders and white stripes on two of the lower petals are the appealing features of gladiolus flowers. Shingled gladiolus is the common name for this gladiolus species. Flower stalks up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall support the violet-pink blooms. This gladiolus is winter hardy in USDA zone 5 and comes in beautiful bloom throughout the wild in marshy regions.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Alaska’
The large-flowered gladiolus with pure white petals and stamens is known as gladiolus ‘Alaska. Some of the largest flowers, ranging 4″ to 5″ (10 – 12 cm) wide, are large frilly white gladiolus blooms. A stem contains roughly 12 large white blooms. This gladiolus cultivar grows to be between 3 and 4 feet (1.2 and 1.2 meters) in height. In USDA zones 8 through 11, the white gladiolus ‘Alaska’ blooms bloom.
Gladiolus Hybrid Red-Lime Flower
The flowers of the gladiolus hybrid ‘Red-Lime’ are lovely deep orange and light yellowish-green showy flowers. A pair of rounded orange petals with ruffled borders and several greenish bottom petals with orange tips make up the gladiolus funnel blooms.
Italian Gladiolus (Gladiolus ‘Italicus’)
The Italian gladiolus is a hooded-type pink-purple blooming gladiolus with white patterns that originated in Italy. The lower petals of the pale pink and white gladiolus blooms have faint pink and white patterns. Long purple stamens protrude from the greenish neck, as well. This upright blooming perennial produces roughly 20 blooms per plant on loose stalks 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) tall. Between 4″ and 6″ (10 – 15 cm) wide, the field gladiolus spread.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Red Cascade’
The gladiolus ‘Red Cascade’ has a profusion of buds on each stem, which burst open to emit big crimson funnel-shaped blooms. The crimson blossoms emerge at the apexes of 3-4-foot-tall (1.2 m) gladiolus flowering stalks, and long sword leaves develop from the base.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Painted Lady’
The gladiolus ‘Painted Lady,’ with its exceedingly bright white blooms, is one of the most stunning on any gladiolus cultivar. The petals are wavy due to the star-shaped funnel-like white blooms with rippled edges. The bright red or carmine throat of this gladiolus plant adds to its dramatic look, as do the dark crimson red spade markings on the lower petals.
The gorgeous gladiolus blossoms bloom on loose stems that are up to 20″ (50 cm) tall and have three to 12 blooms that are 2.5″ (6 cm) long. A cluster of white gladiolus flowers forms underground when the gladiolus corms spread.
Abyssinian Gladiolus Flowers (Gladiolus Murielae)
The flowers of the Abyssinian gladiolus (Gladiolus Murielae) are incredible white funnel blooms that resemble a star. The gladiolus blooms feature pointed white petals with a wide purple throat, and are also known as the Abyssinian sword lily, peacock orchid.
Each slender flower stalk will bear about ten beautiful white blooms. Sword-shaped, deep green leaves and white star-shaped blooms characterize Abyssinian gladiolus, which grows 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) tall.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Merianellus’
A fiery orange-red blossom with long tubular flowers and a yellow throat, the gladiolus ‘Merianellus’ is a fiery orange-red blossom. The trumpet-like flowers of this slender gladiolus plant are loosely growing. The orangey-red petals with a bright yellow center make up the flower. On each stem, you can anticipate to see two to seven blossoms.
Gladiolus Flower ‘Traderhorn’
The frilly orange blooms of Gladiolus hortulanus ‘Traderhorn’ grace lengthy, straight flower stems, with ruffled petals. The large, colorful blooms are 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 cm) across. Dark red patterns can be seen on the inside of trumpet-like flowers. Ruffled blooms arise on stems that may be up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.
To create a lovely vertical highlight in the rear of a flower garden, grow Gladiolus ‘Traderhorn’ plants. In USDA zones 8 through 10, the summer gladiolus corms in the earth are only cold hardy. Dig up the bulbs and store them for planting in the spring in temperate climates throughout the winter. Cut flowers and container plants of Gladiolus ‘Traderhorn’ are both excellent.