Gladiolus Kelly

Gladiolus ‘Kelly’ is a real show-stopper for summer gardens, sending up tall, elegant spikes packed with beautifully formed blooms that bring instant colour and height to borders and cutting beds. Perfect for creating that “wow” moment in the garden, gladioli are famously loved by florists because they last so well in a vase—so you can enjoy ‘Kelly’ outdoors and indoors.

Glads are also brilliantly easy to grow: plant the corms in spring, give them sunshine and a little support, and they’ll reward you with weeks of flowers through mid to late summer. They’re fantastic for attracting pollinators too, and because they grow upright, they take up very little space—ideal for adding drama even in smaller gardens. For a longer flowering season, plant a few corms every couple of weeks from spring to early summer and you’ll have fresh flower spikes appearing in succession.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Gladiolus corms in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed (typically March to May). For a longer flowering season, plant in batches every 2–3 weeks up to early summer.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Gladioli love warmth and light and are perfect for mixed borders, cutting gardens, or growing in large patio pots. Avoid waterlogged ground as corms can rot in winter-wet soils.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant corms 10–15 cm deep (around 4–6 inches).
• Spacing: Space corms 10–15 cm apart to create a full display while allowing airflow.
• Soil Prep: Work in a little compost if needed, but avoid overly rich soil. In heavier soils, add grit to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water after planting, then keep soil lightly moist as shoots appear. Once growing strongly, water during dry spells—especially when buds are forming for the best flower spikes.

Aftercare Tips:

• As plants grow, provide support with small canes or grow through other plants to prevent stems blowing over.
• Remove faded flower spikes once finished, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed next year’s corm.
• In colder areas or heavy, wet soils, lift corms after the first frost, dry them, and store in a cool, frost-free place over winter.

Top Tip:
Gladiolus make unbeatable cut flowers—cut when the lowest flower is just opening and the rest of the buds will open indoors. For a longer display, plant a few corms every couple of weeks and enjoy waves of colour all summer.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:

July - September

Height:
36–48" (90–120cm)

Position:
Full sun

Type:
Summer-flowering bulb (corm)