Gladioli ‘Nablus’ flaunts flowers of a rich, imperial purple like the wrapper of a Dairy Milk bar, with splashes of milky white at the throat. The generous blooms sport wavy, ruffled petals, adding extra curvaceousness to their form. Borne on sturdy stems of up to 90cm, this robust variety makes a wonderful addition to container displays and herbaceous borders. Gladioli are a florists’ favourite, and ‘Nablus’ is highly valued for arrangements thanks to its intense colour and elegant height. To prolong the flowering window, we recommend staggering plantings every two weeks throughout spring, and you will be rewarded by graceful blooms from July to September.

Gladioli ‘Rik’s Frizzle’ sports glamorous, salmon-coral blooms with a creamy white throat. The ‘frizzle’ varieties boast extraordinary, ruffled petals, adding a delightfully frilly texture. Soaring to a statuesque height of 120cm, the vertical silhouette is striking amongst borders of contrasting shapes, such as airy gaura, voluptuous dahlias, and low-growing geraniums. Gladioli are amongst the most popular flowers for cutting, and it will be hard to resist snipping these stems to enjoy indoors. The gorgeous pink, rumpled petals are even better when viewed up close, gradually unfurling in the vase.

The spotless flowers of gladioli ‘Tarantella’ resemble crisp, freshly laundered linen, hanging out on the line in the sunshine. The pristine petals are neatly pleated, like immaculately pressed folds. Bright white blooms reflect the light and create a feeling of freshness and elegance against lush green foliage. With columns of blooms rising to 100cm, the structural, upright form will bring a vertical focal point to borders and container displays. Snip stems just as the lower buds open for long-lasting and sophisticated floral arrangements and bouquets. Plant a handful of corms every few weeks in spring for a staggered spectacle throughout the summer months.