Gladiolus 'Jester' (Gladiolus × hortulanus 'Jester')

Gladiolus 'Jester' is a large-flowered hybrid gladiolus cultivar known for its playful, bicolor blooms—white with bright red markings and a yellow throat. A member of the Iridaceae family, it's a classic cut flower and garden spike.

Description

Cormous perennial 3–4 feet tall. Leaves are sword-shaped, green. Flower spike bears 12–14 florets, each 4–5 inches across, white with irregular red streaks and a yellow throat. Blooms mid to late summer. Excellent vase life (7–10 days).

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 7–10 (corms lifted in colder zones).
• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic.
• Water: Regular moisture during growth; reduce after bloom.
• Planting: Plant corms 4–6 inches deep, 6 inches apart in spring after frost.

Care & Maintenance

Stake spikes. Fertilize at planting and when spikes emerge. Lift corms in fall in zones 6 and below; store dry at 35–45°F. Divide cormels every 2 years.

Uses

Cut flower gardens, borders, containers. Striking in mass plantings. Florist favorite.

Potential Issues

Thrips, spider mites, corm rot. Fusarium wilt. Staking required.

A flamboyant, bicolor glad that steals the show in summer bouquets.