Venetian gladioli collection
gladiolus or sword lily collection
This eye-catching collection of gladiolus corms produces tall, majestic flower spikes in vibrant shades of purple, plum, and red that bloom from mid to late summer, providing structural height and vivid colour for borders, arrangements, and cutting gardens.
How to care for Venetian gladioli collection:
Plant corms 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and 25cm (10in) apart on a bed of sharp sand to aid drainage. In frost-prone areas, lift them when the leaves turn yellow-brown and store the corms in a dry, frost-free place over winter.
Gladioli grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, with protection from strong winds. Once planted, water regularly during dry spells and support taller plants with canes if needed. Feed every couple of weeks with a high potash fertiliser as the flower spikes develop. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers further down the stem.
After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the corms can store energy for the next season. In milder areas, corms can be left in the ground with a dry mulch for winter; otherwise, lift and store them in a frost-free place.
Gladioli grow best in full sun and well-drained soil, with protection from strong winds. Once planted, water regularly during dry spells and support taller plants with canes if needed. Feed every couple of weeks with a high potash fertiliser as the flower spikes develop. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers further down the stem.
After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the corms can store energy for the next season. In milder areas, corms can be left in the ground with a dry mulch for winter; otherwise, lift and store them in a frost-free place.
What's included:
In each collection you will receive the follow corms:
15 × Gladiolus 'Prince of Orange': A vibrant, show-stopping cultivated variety prized for its glowing tangerine-orange blooms that intensify to deeper shades toward the throat. The tall, upright flower spikes are densely lined with large, ruffled florets, creating a bold vertical accent in mid-to-late summer borders. Its rich, sunset tones make Gladioli ‘Prince of Orange’ especially effective in warm-coloured planting schemes or as a focal point in cut-flower arrangements Grows to 1m.
15 × Gladiolus 'Bonfire': A striking cultivated variety known for its vivid, fiery colour blend. Tall, elegant flower spikes rise above sword-shaped, mid-green foliage, producing densely packed florets in shades of pillar-box red with hints of bright orange giving a glowing, flame-like effect—hence the name 'Bonfire'. Blooms appear from midsummer into late summer making it excellent for adding bold vertical interest and late-season drama to borders or cutting gardens. Grows to 1.2m.
15 × Gladiolus 'Purple Flora': Velvety purple blooms with deeper throat markings make Gladiolus 'Purple Flora' a standout among large-flowered gladioli. Reliably opening 6 to 8 florets, cultivar is popular for garden planting, exhibitions, and cutting for floral arrangements. Florists prize its striking flower spikes, which add spectacular visual impact to large vases. Grows to 1.2m.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
