Gladiolus - Espresso - Pack of 8

Gladiolus – Espresso (Pack of 8)

Create a dramatic statement in your summer garden with the rich, velvety blooms of Espresso Gladiolus. This striking variety produces tall spikes filled with deep burgundy-red flowers that appear almost chocolate-red in certain light, giving the plant its bold and luxurious name. The dark, saturated petals create a stunning contrast against green foliage and pair beautifully with lighter colored flowers in mixed plantings.

Espresso Gladiolus produces elegant vertical spikes that bloom gradually from the bottom upward, providing a long-lasting display of color throughout the summer. The tall stems and dramatic blooms make this variety an outstanding choice for cut flower arrangements, where the flowers add depth and sophistication to bouquets. These impressive flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Corm)
Bulb Size: Premium flowering corms
Flower Color: Deep burgundy red, almost chocolate-toned
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 warm summer weather, while avoiding waterlogged soil.

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

Support
Tall flower spikes may benefit from staking in windy locations 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 place.
• 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, Espresso Gladiolus will reward gardeners with tall, dramatic spikes of rich burgundy blooms that bring bold color, height, and elegance to summer gardens and stunning floral arrangements.