Polar Bear Gladiolus

(48-60" tall) ‘Polar Bear’ Gladiolus bloom with bright white, gently ruffled petals. In early to mid-summer, long elegant spikes will emerge over the strappy foliage, slowly revealing icy blooms from the bottom up. This flowering habit makes Gladiolus an excellent cut flower, as fading blossoms can be removed from the stems, allowing them to remain fresh in the vase for much longer. Planted 6 inches deep at a rate of 12 per square foot in loose, well-drained, sunny soils, the corms will quickly develop sword-like green leaves in late spring. Light staking or protection from wind is recommended. Gladiolus are perennial in zones 8-10. At the end of the season, cut back the stems, mulch well, and look forward to years of enjoyment as the corms will increase with time. For gardeners in cooler zones, the corms can be brought inside and stored in slightly dampened sawdust in the winter. Mulching corms in autumn and ensuring they are sited in well-drained soil will allow this Gladiolus to stretch to the ends of its hardiness limits.