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.
'Hallowy'
sword lily
Gladiolus 'Hallowy' brings a touch of midnight magic to the summer garden. Its tall, commanding spikes carry large, deep purple-blue flowers streaked with bold white stripes, each bloom a miniature masterpiece of contrast and precision. The velvety petals shimmer subtly in sunlight, creating a sense of movement and depth that feels almost electric. Standing tall and confident among perennials, Gladiolus 'Hallowy' lends instant drama and elegance to borders, while its richly toned flowers make it a superb choice for striking cut arrangements.
As one of the most eye-catching sword lilies, Gladiolus 'Hallowy' is both strong and graceful—a perfect blend of garden performance and visual allure. Its tall, sturdy stems hold up beautifully in the border and in the vase, flowering reliably from midsummer onwards. Plant the corms in full sun and well-drained soil, staggering plantings for a long succession of blooms. With its vivid tones and painterly markings, Gladiolus 'Hallowy' turns any garden corner into a scene of bold sophistication.
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 'Hallowy'
- Flower colour
- Purple, white stripes
- 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
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.