The sizes of the plants will vary with some types reaching 8 feet tall. They grow best in full sun or light shade. Since these plants prefer to have their bases shades, they can be planted in beds surrounded by other types of plants. This 2 inch to 6 inch plant is one of the first to blossom in spring. The corms can be naturalized in lawns and mowed under after blossoming.
Colors vary from white to purple to yellow.
One fall blossoming variety is available. All of the spring blossoming varieties are planted in fall. The tall spikes of flowers are often marked or blotched with contrasting colors. Gladiolus should be planted in the spring and will flower all summer if planted at 7-10 day intervals. Corms must be dug up each fall as they are not winter hardy.