Gladioli can be planted right through until December. Plant in full sun andwater.These absolutely stunning gladioli bud jet black and reveal a velvetyburgundy red as the petals of several buds at a time unfurl on the longspike. Gladioli are sometimes known as “Sword Lilies” or “Glads” and theseSummer flowering corms produce tall slender stems ranging from 80-120 cmhigh. Their striking colour combinations make a real statement in mostgardens and using stagger planting can create long-lasting displays asin well-drained soil. If soil is heavy, mound it up so that excess waterwill run off from around the area were the corm has been planted. Protectthem from strong winds by either planting in a sheltered spot or supportingthem with a growth support system. Gladioli can be timed to floweranytime during summer simply by planting about 90 days before you requirethem to be in flower but avoid planting until the danger of frosts havepassed. You can also use this timing to create a long lasting display withstagger planting. The blooms can be removed when they have begun to fadebut leave the foliage until it has died down. Lift the corms in autumn andstore in a cool, dark place with plenty of air movement until July-Augustthen plant out again in the normal way.

GardenUse
Excellent border plant blooming in mid-summer providing strikingcolour and contrast to the perennial border and mixes beautifully withannuals and other summer flowering bulbs. Well suited to containers andmakes stunning cut flowers.

Planting Guide
Growing up to90-120cm tall with rigid, leafy stems it performs best in full sun or partshade and is not particular to soil type but requires well-drained soilswith good moisture. Reliable and easy to grow, plant in spring or autumn ingroups of 3 bulbs minimum to ensure a striking display. Cut back leaves andstems when they turn yellow after flowering has ceased. NOTE: These plantsare toxic to cats but not for dogs. PLANTING LILIES: Plant your bulbs inspring or autumn. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30-37cm. Deep planting isimportant as it will help stabilize your lily and potentially eliminate theneed for staking. Mix in a 5-10cm layer of compost. Dig a hole about 15cmdeep and set the lilies with the roots facing downwards. Cover the lilieswith a layer of soil, press down firmly and water thoroughly. Space yourlily bulbs at a distance of 3 times the bulb's diameter. Lilies grow bestin full sun or part shade. They need 6-8 hours of sun per day and likehaving 'cold feet'. Therefore, it is advisable to shade the lower part ofthe plant, which will also protect the roots from drying out. Most lilieslike rich, acidic to neutral soils , but some are lime-tolerant or preferalkaline soils (e.g., Madonna lilies). Well-drained soils and good moistureare crucial for lilies to grow best. Dry soils need to be avoided. Ifdrainage is a problem, plant slightly shallower and mound soil over thebulb. CARING FOR LILIES: In the growing season, water freely and apply ahigh-potash liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Keep moist in winter. Apply athin layer of compost in the spring as well as a 5 cm layer of mulch toretain moisture and control weeds. As flowers fade, cut back the stalks tothe base of the plant. After bloom, divide lilies. LILIES AS CUT FLOWERS:Choose lilies with buds that are just about to open. Trim the stem making adiagonal cut with a sharp knife. Snip off the stamens to avoid stainingyour hands or clothes with the pollen. Make sure no foliage will beunderwater when placing in a vase. A good lily arrangement will last 2 ormore weeks. Change the water every few days and add cut-flower food to the