Plant half-hardy hybrid gladiolus corms directly outside in mid to late spring, or start them under cover earlier. Hardy naturalising types, including Gladiolus byzantinus, can be planted in autumn or spring. Always plant corms during the season in which they arrive.
Out of season
Gladiolus primulinus 'Atom' is one of the most vibrant of any gladiolus cultivar, with its sizzling deep orange-red flowers. Each petal possesses a fine silvery white margin, which serves to exaggerate the petal edge, giving a lovely overall effect. The flowers are carried on short stems too, making them less liable to wind damage—this variety does not generally require staking.
When we think of gladiolus, we think of lifting the corms in autumn, to protect them from frost over winter. This is not necessary for Gladiolus 'Atom'—which is hardy in most parts of the UK. Simply mulch over the soil in late autumn, and new shoots will appear again the following spring.
This dazzling gladiolus will add a touch of class to your perennial border. It likes a spot in full sun, and a well-drained soil. Oh, and as if this is not enough—Gladiolus 'Atom' makes an exceptional cut flower. Cut the spikes as soon as the bottom flower on the spike has opened. Most of the remaining blooms will open when the spike is brought indoors and placed in water.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Grow gladioli in full sun, in a sheltered border or large patio container. They need free-draining conditions, so improve heavy soil with organic matter and grit or plant into a raised bed. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost.
Position each corm with its pointed side facing upwards, around 10–15cm deep. Space them approximately 10cm apart when planting in groups. A generous cluster creates a fuller display and allows the flower spikes to offer one another some support.
Water thoroughly after planting, then allow the soil to become nearly dry between waterings while the corms remain dormant. Once shoots appear, water regularly throughout active growth, particularly during warm, dry weather and when growing gladioli in containers.
Most gladioli remain upright without help, although staking is useful in exposed or windy positions. Remove faded flower spikes just above the foliage, then leave the leaves to die back naturally. They can be cut down to ground level in autumn.
Lift half-hardy hybrid gladiolus corms in autumn and store them somewhere cool, dry and frost free. These varieties often give their strongest display in their first year. Hardy naturalising gladioli can remain outdoors where the soil drains freely and does not become waterlogged.
- Botanical name
- Gladiolus primulinus 'Atom'
- Flower colour
- Red
- Bulb size
- 8/9
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 36 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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Gladiolus 'Atom' reviews
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