To select the best varieties, one must first understand the gladiolus. We are a genus of perennial corms, prized for our tall flower spikes adorned with multiple large, showy florets. Our growth cycle is straightforward: you plant our corms in the spring after the last frost, we grow and bloom spectacularly throughout the summer, and you lift our corms in the fall after the foliage dies back for storage over winter in colder climates (USDA zones 7 and below). We thrive in full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Our vertical stature makes us exceptional background plants in borders and the quintessential cut flower.
For reliable performance across most US gardens, several varieties stand out due to their vigor, disease resistance, and stunning visual impact. The 'Priscilla' gladiolus is a masterpiece with white flowers featuring soft yellow and raspberry markings on the lower petals. 'Black Star' offers a dramatic contrast with its deep, velvety maroon, nearly black flowers that are exceptional in arrangements. For a classic and vigorous grower, 'White Prosperity' produces massive spikes of pure white florets that are exceptionally hardy and excellent for cutting. These varieties are widely adaptable and provide a strong foundation for any gladiolus display.
For gardeners with limited space or those who wish to avoid staking taller varieties, we offer many compact cultivars. Often referred to as "nanus" or "miniature" gladioli, these plants typically reach only 2-3 feet in height and are more tolerant of wind and rain. The 'Charm' series is excellent, with varieties like 'Robinetta' producing spikes of vibrant red flowers. 'Atom' is another celebrated dwarf variety, featuring brilliant scarlet blooms with a contrasting white picotee edge. These smaller types are perfect for container gardening, the front of a border, or rocky garden areas.
For gardeners in USDA zones 7 and sometimes 6, seeking varieties that can survive winter in the ground with proper mulch is a key consideration. The Byzantine Gladiolus (Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus) is exceptionally hardy (to zone 5) and naturalizes easily, producing spikes of magenta flowers. The 'Carolina Primrose' is a hardy, primrose-yellow species that multiplies readily. While most large-flowered hybrids are not reliably hardy, seeking out species like these or specifically labeled "hardy glads" can save the effort of annual lifting.
Beyond the classic forms, many unique gladiolus varieties offer something special. Ruffled types, like 'Green Star' with its large, lime-green florets, add incredible texture. The 'Plum Tart' variety boasts deep plum-purple flowers with a white throat. For a truly different look, the Gladiolus callianthus (now often classified as Acidanthera murielae) is a fragrant species with white, star-shaped flowers and a dark maroon throat, providing a lovely scent to evening gardens. These specialty types make for exceptional conversation pieces and standout cut flowers.
