Description
Baby Gladioli
Baby Gladioli ‘Blushing Bride’ (Gladiolus nanus), also known as Species or Cottage Gladioli, are compact flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Native to South Africa, these bulbous perennials produce delicate flowers in soft shades of pink and white with subtle markings. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for smaller spaces like cottage gardens, pots, or borders. Their heat tolerance and low-maintenance nature make them an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings.
Uses
Baby Gladioli are ideal for adding colour to cottage gardens, rockeries, garden beds, or as borders. Their compact size makes them perfect for pots and planters, allowing you to brighten up tight spaces. With their smaller flower spikes, they are also an excellent choice for cut flowers, creating beautiful indoor displays. Additionally, they attract beneficial insects like bees, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Climate Suitability
Baby Gladioli thrive in cool to subtropical climates and are frost-tender, with temperatures below 5°C potentially causing damage. They grow well in areas that offer a combination of warm, sunny conditions during the growing season and mild winters. For those who experience regular, yearly frost, plant in early spring once the threat of frost has passed and lift them once they enter dormancy to avoid potential damage from freezing temperatures. For those who experience sporadic frost, they can be left in the ground since the frost is usually brief and not long enough to cause harm.
How to Plant
Plant bulbs in full sun, spacing them 15 cm apart, and burying them 8–10 cm deep with the flat side down and the growing tips facing upwards. They prefer well-drained, slightly sandy soil and do not tolerate clay. Plant them in autumn for the best results in milder climates. For areas with frost-prone winters, early spring planting is recommended once the frost has passed.
Soil & Fertiliser
Baby Gladioli grow best in well-drained, slightly sandy soil. Prior to planting, work in a small amount of complete granular fertiliser to enrich the soil. During the growing period:
- Top-dress with a complete fertiliser in autumn (as they go dormant) and in spring (as they begin to grow).
Water
- Water Baby Gladioli well during their flowering period to support healthy blooms.
- Once they go dormant, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out.
- In exceptionally hot climates, ensure the bulbs do not desiccate completely. Even though they should remain dry during dormancy, water lightly and sporadically, especially after prolonged, intense hot days.
- To store the bulbs, lift them, dry in a cool, ventilated area, and keep in a breathable container in a cool, dry place until replanting.
- Be sure to plant them at the deepest recommended depth (8–10 cm) to help retain moisture and protect them from drying out. Finding the right balance of moisture is key to avoiding both desiccation and rot.
Mulch
- Apply mulch to help retain moisture, keep soil temperatures stable, and suppress weeds during the growing season.
- In winter, avoid over-mulching to ensure the soil can drain well and prevent waterlogging.
After Care
- Allow the foliage to wither completely before cutting it back after the flowering period.
- If growing in pots or in wet, frost-prone climates, consider lifting the bulbs to store them during dormancy.
- Baby Gladioli can remain undisturbed for several years, but if overcrowding occurs, divide them once the leaves have turned yellow.
Pests and Diseases
Baby Gladioli are relatively low-maintenance and typically don’t suffer from many pests. However, keep an eye out for aphids and thrips as the weather warms up. If brown spots or streaking appear on the leaves, treat with a general garden fungicide. Regular monitoring will ensure healthy growth.
Safety
Baby Gladioli are toxic if eaten, so keep them out of reach of pets and children. Wear gloves when handling the bulbs, as they may cause skin irritation. If ingested, seek medical help.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.