Plant guide

Eastern gladiolus.

Gladiolus communis

Pronounced glad-ee-OH-lus kom-YOO-nis

Also known as Cornflag, Eastern Gladiolus

The eastern gladiolus is a lovely perennial that produces tall, elegant spikes of funnel shaped flowers. It grows from a corm and brings a classic, vertical look to any garden bed. These plants are perfect for adding height and vibrant color to your summer landscape.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial bulb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 5 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium

Care

Plant your corms in well draining soil once the threat of frost has passed. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which can indicate poor drainage or overwatering. Stake the tall flower spikes if you live in a windy area to prevent them from falling over.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season but avoid letting it sit in water.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month while the plant is actively growing.
Pruning: Cut back the foliage to the ground only after it has turned yellow and died back naturally in autumn.
Repotting: If you are growing these in containers, refresh the soil and check the corms for offsets every spring.
Soil: Well draining, sandy loam
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Tall, sword shaped green leaves
Spikes of funnel shaped flowers
Flowers bloom in shades of pink
Grows from a rounded corm

Science

Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Gladiolus
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your eastern gladiolus looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.