Gladiolus - Earl Grey - Pack of 8

Gladiolus – Earl Grey (Pack of 8)

Add a touch of unique elegance to your summer garden with Gladiolus Earl Grey. This distinctive variety features tall spikes of softly ruffled blooms in smoky lavender, dusty rose, and muted mauve tones, often highlighted with subtle silver-gray undertones. The sophisticated color palette gives this gladiolus a refined and unusual appearance that pairs beautifully with both vibrant and pastel garden plantings.

Earl Grey Gladiolus produces impressive flower spikes that open gradually from the bottom upward, extending the blooming display for several weeks. The tall stems and long-lasting flowers make this variety an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements and bouquets. These graceful blooms also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding life and beauty to your garden throughout the summer.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Corm)
Bulb Size: Premium flowering corms
Flower Color: Dusty lavender, smoky mauve, and soft rose tones
Plant Height: 36–48 inches
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Package Size: Pack of 8 bulbs
Uses: Garden beds, borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements

Growing Instructions for Zone 3b

Gladiolus are not winter hardy in colder climates. In Zone 3b, corms should be planted after the final frost and lifted for winter storage.

Planting Time
Plant corms outdoors in late spring once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach about 13–16°C (55–60°F).

Location
Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Gladiolus grow best in loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.

Planting Depth

• Plant corms 4–6 inches deep with the pointed side facing upward.
• Cover with soil and water lightly after planting.

Spacing
Space corms 6–8 inches apart to allow proper airflow and healthy plant growth.

Watering
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot summer periods, while avoiding waterlogged soil.

Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer when shoots appear and again when flower spikes begin to develop to support strong stems and vibrant blooms.

Support
Tall flower spikes may benefit from staking in windy areas to prevent bending.

Overwintering in Zone 3b

• After the first frost causes foliage to yellow, cut stems back to about 2–3 inches above the corm.
• Carefully dig up the corms and allow them to dry for several days in a warm, airy location.
• Remove excess soil and store corms in mesh bags or boxes in a cool, dry, frost-free location around 4–10°C (40–50°F) until spring planting.

With proper care, Earl Grey Gladiolus will reward gardeners with tall, elegant spikes of uniquely colored blooms that bring sophistication and soft beauty to summer gardens and floral arrangements.