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Plant Detail

Gladiolus

Scientific name	Gladiolus cardinalis
Common name	Waterfall Lilly
Type	Perennials
Variety	Perennial
USDA Zone hardiness	8a - 10b
Exposure	Full sun
Height	2 to 3'
Spread	Under 1'

This gladiolus is cormous perennial with sword shaped leaves, arching flower stems that produce up to 12 funnel shaped bright-red flowers 2 inches across. Best grow in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full-sun. In climate zones below 8a the corms should be removed from the soil once the foliage has turned brown in the fall. The corms (bulb) should be trimmed and set out to cure for a few days in a dry, cool, shady location before being stored in dry cool place. Many recommend a fungicide dip before storage. In climate zones 8-10 the corms can be left in the ground over wither but each growing season it is recommended to fertilize with a high-potash liquid fertilizer on a biweekly basis from just before blooming until 3 weeks after blooming. Plant in spring once the last frost has passed, 3-6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in an organic amended location.