Overview

• Common Name: Priscilla Gladiolus
• Botanical Name: Gladiolus x hortulanus ‘Priscilla’
• Plant Type: Tender perennial (grown as an annual in most zones)
• Height: 3 to 5 feet tall
• Spread: 6 to 12 inches
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–11 (lift and store corms in colder zones)
• Flower Color: Soft pink with white and darker rose accents
• Use: Cut flowers, borders, flower beds, containers

Light Requirements

Priscilla gladiolus thrives in full sun. Aim for:

• 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• A spot with morning sun and good air circulation

They’ll tolerate part sun, but too much shade leads to weaker stems and fewer blooms.

Soil Needs

Well-draining soil is critical for gladiolus.

Ideal Soil Conditions:

• Loamy or sandy soil
• pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Add compost or aged manure to enrich the planting area
• Avoid soggy areas—wet feet = rotted corms

Planting Time & Instructions

Plant after the last frost when soil is warm (60°F/15°C or higher). In cooler zones, stagger plantings every 2 weeks from spring through early summer for continuous blooms.

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How to Plant:

• Depth: 4 to 6 inches
• Spacing: 6 inches apart
• Pointed side up, flat side down
• Plant in rows, clusters, or groups of 5–7 for a fuller look

Watering Schedule

Gladiolus needs consistent watering, especially during growth and bloom time.

Watering Tips:

• 1 inch per week during dry spells
• Keep soil moist but not soggy
• Water at the base—avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk
• Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down

Staking & Support

Because Priscilla can grow up to 5 feet, wind or heavy blooms may cause flopping.

• Use garden stakes, bamboo canes, or flower rings
• Insert supports at planting to avoid damaging roots later
• Tie loosely with twine as they grow

Deadheading and Maintenance

• Remove faded flowers promptly to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms.
• Let the leaves remain after flowering—they photosynthesize to feed the corm for next year’s growth.
• Cut the foliage only after it turns yellow and dies back naturally.

Fertilization

Feed gladiolus to promote lush growth and better blooms.

Feeding Routine:

1. Before planting: Mix a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) into the soil.
2. When spikes form: Feed with a low-nitrogen, bloom-boosting fertilizer (like 5-10-10).
3. After blooming: A final light feeding helps build the corm.

Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen—it promotes leaves over flowers.

Pests & Problems

Gladiolus are relatively easy, but watch for:

Common Pests:

• Thrips: Tiny insects that distort flowers and leaves Use insecticidal soap or neem oil; store corms properly to prevent overwintering
• Aphids: Can be sprayed off with water or treated with neem oil
• Spider mites (in dry, hot conditions)

Diseases:

• Botrytis (gray mold): Caused by moisture—improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering
• Corm rot: Due to poor drainage—lift and inspect corms if you see wilting despite watering

Always buy healthy, firm corms from reputable sources.

Winter Care (Corm Storage)

In zones 7 and colder, gladiolus won’t survive the winter outdoors. You’ll need to lift and store corms:

Steps:

1. After first light frost, cut back foliage to about 1–2 inches.
2. Carefully dig up the corms, shake off soil.
3. Let them dry for 2–3 weeks in a warm, dry place with good airflow.
4. Remove old, shriveled corms from the base (new ones grow on top).
5. Store in a cool, dry, dark place (like a basement or garage) in mesh bags or cardboard boxes with peat moss or sawdust.
6. Check periodically for rot or mold.

Cut Flower Tips

Priscilla gladiolus makes a stunning cut flower!

• Cut when bottom 2–3 flowers on the spike are just opening
• Use a sharp knife, and cut early in the morning
• Remove lower leaves and place in water immediately
• Add floral preservative for longer vase life

They can last 7–10 days indoors with proper care.

Companion Plants

Plant Priscilla gladiolus with:

• Salvia
• Dahlias
• Coneflowers
• Liatris
• Zinnias
• Dusty Miller

Low-growing plants help hide the base of the gladiolus and create visual balance.

Design Ideas

• Cottage gardens: Their frilly look fits right in
• Vertical accents in borders or beds
• Mass plantings for a dramatic floral wall
• Mix with white, lavender, or purple flowers for contrast
• Grow in large containers with support for smaller garden spaces

Propagation

• Priscilla is propagated by corm division.
• At the end of the season, the mother corm produces “cormels” (baby corms).
• You can plant these the next season—though they take 1–2 years to bloom.

Fun Facts

• Gladiolus comes from the Latin “gladius,” meaning sword, referencing the shape of the leaves.
• Also known as the “sword lily”.
• Symbolizes strength, moral integrity, and infatuation—making it a meaningful bouquet flower.

Quick Care Recap