Parrot Mix Gladiolus Bulbs

Like brilliant tropical birds in your garden, Parrot Mix Gladiolus create a paradise of bold, bright colors against an emerald green backdrop. These long, elegant stems on compact plants are lined with exquisite ruffled flowers in hot pink, fizzy purple, sweet peach, and bright lime. It's no surprise these lovelies are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.

Parrot Mix is a South African Glad, hardy only in zones 8-10 but happy to be dug up before first frost and stored for replanting in spring. These large bulbs (technically corms) are easy to plant after the last frost in spring, growing quickly and easily in sunshine and rich, well-drained soil. The first blooms will appear by midsummer, and Parrot Mix Gladiolus are happy to keep going into fall.

We tend to think of glads as dramatic, hot-house type flowers, yet this flower is so easy to grow. The Parrot Mix has a long and illustrious history, coming to the United States in the 19th Century and very popular here, as well as in Europe. It's not as top-heavy as many other glads—the plants do need support for those super-long, bloom-laden stems, but they won't topple and they do keep going far longer than most others.

Treat yourself to a cut flower extraordinaire. Guests will be amazed you grew it in your own backyard or container—and you don't have to tell anyone just how easy it was.

To ensure the continued life of these bulbs in cooler zones (3-7) dig up the bulbs and store them through winter then replant them the following spring.