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
'Laura Jay'
dwarf gladiolus
Rich crimson-red flowers with a flash of creamy white make Gladiolus 'Laura Jay' a particularly captivating summer favourite. This elegant, small-flowered gladiolus produces slender spikes of beautifully shaped blooms, each featuring velvety, wine-red petals and contrasting ivory-white markings across the lower petals. The upper petals curve gently forwards, giving the flowers a distinctive, almost orchid-like appearance, while their relatively open arrangement creates a wonderfully light and natural silhouette. The deep red colouring becomes especially striking against the narrow, sword-shaped green foliage, adding warmth and character to summer planting schemes. Gladiolus 'Laura Jay' looks beautiful among airy ornamental grasses, pale pink cosmos and white-flowering perennials, where its rich colouring provides just the right amount of contrast.
Belonging to the Primulinus group, Gladiolus 'Laura Jay' combines the elegance of traditional gladioli with a more relaxed, compact growing habit. Reaching approximately 70–80cm tall, its slender but sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for mixed borders, cutting gardens and generous patio containers. Plant the corms in spring, choosing a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. From early summer onwards, Gladiolus 'Laura Jay' produces its charming flower spikes, which are equally delightful in informal bouquets. Cutting a few stems when the lowest flowers begin to open allows the remaining buds to develop beautifully in the vase. In colder UK gardens, protect the corms from severe frost and prolonged winter wet. With its richly coloured petals and graceful appearance, Gladiolus primulinus 'Laura Jay' brings a lovely sense of refinement to the summer garden.
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 'Laura Jay'
- Flower colour
- Red, cream, white
- Corm size
- 10/+
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- 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
-
Pots
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
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
-40%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£39.00
Sale price
£65.00
-40%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£2.34
Sale price
£3.90
-40%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£2.94
Sale price
£4.90
-40%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£3.72
Sale price
£6.20
-40%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£4.14
Sale price
£6.90
-40%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£4.50
Sale price
£7.50
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.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
