Gladiolus ( Magnolia Gladiolus )
These cormose perennials are grown for their showy spiked flowers , which open from the bottom upwards . Foliage is shoulder strap - corresponding and upright . Gladiolus look best when engraft in large groups . It is common to stake them . Soil should be fertile and well drained and lighter may be full sun or partial shade . Hardy in zone 8 - 10 , they may be planted in other areas as annuals or even protect with a thick layer of mulch ....