Gladiolus 'Purple Flora' Bulbs

A summer bloomer, Gladiolus 'Purple Flora' stands 48 to 60 inches tall, adding a striking vertical element to the garden with its slender flower scapes rising above a lush, upright fan of sword-shaped leaves. Gladiolus 'Purple Flora' is a large-flowered type with orchid-like, ruffled dark purple blooms that open from the bottom of the scape to the top, for a long-lasting display of color. Florist-quality, the sultry blooms make stunning additions to cut flower arrangements.

A Gladiolus x hortulanus variety, commonly called gladiolus, glads, or sword lilies, 'Purple Flora' is a perennial in Zones 7-10. For the best flower show, plant groups of glads in garden beds, borders, containers, and rock gardens. 'Purple Flora' is a tall plant that may need to be staked in windy areas.

Easy to grow and maintain, 'Purple Flora' glads grow best in a sunny to partially shady spot with rich, porous soil that drains freely but still holds enough water for the roots. For very sandy soils that do not hold water or heavy clays that drain slowly, add organic soil amendments, such as peat moss or ground bark. Fertilize sparingly after planting and repeat in summer, using a good plant food. Water thoroughly at planting and regularly while growing and in bloom so that water will reach the roots. Add a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moist and cool.

Choose a spot protected from strong winds, and plant 'Purple Flora' bulbs after all danger of frost has passed, spacing bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart and 4 to 6 inches deep in warm spring soil. Plant them all at once or plant them bi-weekly for an extended bloom time. After blooming, let corms grow until the foliage turns brown or until frost threatens. Then, dig them up and dry, clean, and store in a dry, cool place at 40-50°F to overwinter.