Flower Library
Gladiolus
Gladiolus · Iridaceae
Gladiolus are the vertical giants of the cut flower world — stems up to 1.20 m, with 10–15 blooms opening sequentially from bottom to top. A single stem fills a tall vase; a group makes any room a statement.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Gladiolus
- Colors
- White, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Hot pink, Red, Purple, Bordeaux, Bicolor
Gladiolus are returning to fashion in modern floristry — especially in monochrome tall bouquets or as a solo statement in a floor vase.
A gladiolus ‘runs' over about 10 days: lower blooms fade, new ones open above. Pluck spent blooms to keep the bouquet fresh.
Is Gladiolus toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). The corm is the most toxic part, but the stem, leaves and flowers also irritate the mouth and digestive tract — drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea are possible. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea along with irritation of the mouth and digestive tract.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle, strip lower leaves.
- 02Use a heavy tall vase — gladiolus are top-heavy.
- 03Pluck spent blooms from the stem.
- 04Change water every 2–3 days.
Frequently asked
- Why do only the bottom blooms open?
- Normal — gladiolus open bottom-up, the top often needs 5–7 days. Remove spent lower blooms and the plant directs energy upward.
- How long do gladiolus last in a vase?
- With a fresh cut and a water change every 2–3 days, gladiolus last 7–12 days. Buy stems when the lower two or three blooms are showing colour but still closed — that way the whole spike opens in the vase.
- Are gladiolus toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Gladiolus are listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The corm holds the highest concentration, but the stem, leaves and flowers also irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Ingested parts can cause drooling, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
- When are gladiolus in season?
- Gladiolus are a classic summer flower: the main season runs June to October, with field-grown stems from Germany and the Netherlands. Outside those months they are hard to find fresh.