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When to Plant Orchid Glad Bulbs

Orchid gladiolus is just one of many common names for Gladiolus murielae. Other names include Acidanthera bicolor, Abyssinian gladiolus, fragrant gladiolus and peacock orchid. Corms should be started indoors in early spring for early summer bloom or outdoors after all danger of frost is past for late summer flowers.
  1. Characteristics

    • Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, with narrow, sword-shaped leaves, orchid gladiolus bear flower spikes with two to 10 flowers apiece. Each flower is star-shaped, with six petals fused into a long tube at the base. Each white, fragrant blossom has a maroon star in the middle.

    Corm basics

    • The corms should be planted 2 to 6 inches deep, depending on the size of the corm (the larger the corm, the deeper the planting hole). For best results, lift and store the corms in the fall after foliage has begun to yellow but before the first frost.

    Fun Facts

    • Native to the mountains of East Africa, Gladiolus murielae is pollinated by the hummingbird hawkmoth, an insect that looks like a small bird. The flower's fragrance makes the gladiolus a perfect addition to areas where garden visitors will congregate.