Gladiolus Priscilla

Gladiolus ‘Priscilla’ is pure summer glamour — tall, elegant flower spikes packed with show-stopping, ruffled blooms that look like they’ve been hand-painted. Each floret opens ivory to creamy-white with a frilled hot pink/raspberry edge, then draws your eye into a soft, glowing golden-yellow throat. The real magic is the gentle lilac-pink “wash” that often appears between the creamy base and the pink margin, creating a beautiful ombré effect as the flowers mature.

A classic choice for adding height, colour and drama to borders and cutting gardens, ‘Priscilla’ is also a fantastic way to bring a “wow” moment to patio pots. Plant a few corms every couple of weeks in spring and you can enjoy a longer run of blooms through late summer. It’s a favourite for arrangements too — cut stems when the lowest flowers are just starting to open for the best vase life.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant gladiolus corms in spring once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil is warming. For a longer display, plant in batches every 1–2 weeks through late spring.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Gladioli dislike winter wet, so avoid heavy or waterlogged ground. Ideal for borders, cutting gardens and large patio pots.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant corms around 10–15 cm deep (a deeper planting helps support tall stems).
• Spacing: Space corms 10–15 cm apart for a bold, upright display.
• Soil Prep: Improve with a little compost if needed, and plant on a small layer of sharp sand to aid drainage in heavier soils.

Watering:
Water after planting and keep the soil evenly moist as growth appears. During dry spells in summer, water regularly to support strong spikes and good flowering.

Aftercare Tips:

• Stake if needed in exposed spots—tall stems can lean in wind.
• Remove faded blooms as they finish, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed next year’s corm.
• In frost-prone areas, lift corms when foliage yellows, dry and store in a cool, frost-free place over winter.

Top Tip:
For the best vase life, cut stems when the lowest flowers are just starting to open. Planting in small batches gives you a much longer cutting season.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
July - September (depending on planting time)

Height:
48–60" (120–150cm)

Position:
Full Sun

Type:
Summer-flowering bulb (corm)