Gladiolus ( Norma J Gladiolus )
These cormous perennial are grown for their showy spiked flowers , which open from the bottom upwards . Foliage is shoulder strap - like and erect . Gladiolus take care best when establish in large group . It is common to stake them . ground should be productive and well drain and light may be full sun or fond shade . Hardy in geographical zone 8 - 10 , they may be implant in other areas as annual or even protect with a thickheaded level of mulch ....