Gladiolus (Gladiolus 'Fidelio') glad-ee-OH-lus Genus:  Gladiolus This 3- to 4-foot-tall glad has luminous deep purplish-rose flowers. It dates from 1959 and is called 'Fidelio' after Beethoven's joyous opera. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Soft-lavender blossoms. Care:  Full sun to part shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Treat as annuals, or dig up and store 6 weeks after bloom (dip in fungicide and allow to dry for a few weeks). Propagation:  Sow seed at 59°F in spring. Separate cormlets when dormant. Problems:  Gladiolus corm rot (Fusarium), gray mold (Botrytis), viruses, aster yellows, spider mites, thrips, aphids.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Flowers Bloom Time Spring, Summer Flower Color Purple Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Perennials