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
New
Gladiolus
'Black Surprise'
sword lily
Gladiolus 'Black Surprise' is a true showstopper—dark, sultry, and effortlessly sophisticated. From a fan of upright, sword-shaped leaves rise tall, elegant spikes bearing up to ten velvety blooms in shades so deep they border on black, touched with whispers of red-purple. The result is a flower that feels both mysterious and luxurious, lending a touch of theatre to the late-summer border. As the light catches those sumptuous petals, Gladiolus 'Black Surprise' reveals its hidden depths—rich, moody, and impossible to ignore.
Flowering from late summer into autumn, Gladiolus 'Black Surprise' offers a final flourish of drama just as the season begins to soften. Ideal for cutting, each stem makes an unforgettable addition to a vase, where the near-black tones contrast beautifully with paler blooms. Plant the Gladiolus 'Black Surprise' corms in sunny, well-drained soil, and this glamorous performer will reward you with an encore of bold elegance year after year. Perfect for those who prefer their garden with a hint of mystery and a dash of allure.
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 'Black Surprise'
- Flower colour
- Near-black, brown, deep red-purple
- Corm size
- 12/14
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 10-20cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 30 corms per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Gravel gardens
Cottage gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Large containers - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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