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.
'Mystic Magenta'
sword lily
Gladiolus 'Mystic Magenta' casts a spell of vivid colour and irresistible charm across the summer garden. Its tall, graceful stems bear large, ruffled blooms in rich magenta and cerise tones—a mesmerising blend of cherry-red and pink that glows warmly in sunlight. The flowers open in succession from the base upwards, creating a striking vertical rhythm that gives borders structure and drama. Gladiolus 'Mystic Magenta' is an instant mood-lifter, bold yet elegant, with a touch of mystery in every petal.
Perfect for cutting, Gladiolus 'Mystic Magenta' brings the same magic indoors, where its vivid spikes add a painterly flourish to summer arrangements. Plant the corms in full sun and well-drained soil, staggering the planting for a continuous display from midsummer onwards. Whether standing tall among perennials or making a statement in a vase, this gladiool hybrid never fails to enchant—proof that a little magenta goes a very long way in brightening the season.
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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 'Mystic Magenta'
- Flower colour
- Pink, magenta, cerise
- 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.