Assuming that what I grow is in fact G. murielae, much of the literature underestimates its potential height. Last year was my first growing these, and in full sun and rich sandy loam my plants easily exceeded 4 feet in height. As recommended, I kept the soil constantly moist.
Generally, in zones cooler than zone 8, you need to either treat gladiolus as an annual, or dig the bulbs each fall and store in dry sawdust or shredded newspaper in a cool, dark place. Replant in the spring.
North of Z 8 requires lifting and storing dry over the winter.
Gladiolus x gandavensis 'Traderhorn' produces heavy flower stalks that typically need staking. Without staking, the leaves and stalks of this plant are likely to flop and become very unattractive. This plant is easily grown from bulbs and enjoys full sun. It is hardy in zones 7a-10b. Corms may be dug up for overwintering in colder climates.
A plant with ravishingly fragrant nocturnal flowers that multiplies rapidly from cormlets around the original mother corm. It is a winter-growing species from South Africa. I start the corms in late fall and grow them on my windowsill where they flower in late winter and then go dormant by summer.
Did not winter over in my zone 5a garden.
