Espresso Gladiolus

When intense color is called for, ‘Espresso’ Gladiolus is your solution. Try them with Allium, Delphinium, Salvia, and grasses where their stately form will stand out. Gladiolus is an easy-to-grow garden staple that adds vertical interest with its flower spikes and strap-like green foliage. Blooming in mid-summer for about two weeks, it’s easy to enjoy them all season long. Just plant some bulbs every two weeks from the last frost until early summer and enjoy a non-stop season of bloom. Gladioli are easy-keepers, not heavy feeders, and moderate water users making them welcome additions to a water-thrifty garden. Well-drained soil is a must. Mass of bulbs using at least 12 corms per planting – they not only look better en masse, but they also support each other as they grow. Water well and water periodically as growth progresses. Native to southern Africa, Gladiolus is hardy in zones 8-10; in cooler zones, you can treat your Gladiolus as annuals, or you can dig the corms after frost, and store in a cool, dry, dark place to re-plant next spring.