Gladiolus ‘Prins Claus’ is a captivating variety known for its elegant blooms, making it a popular choice for garden displays and as an impressive cut flower.
Unique Characteristics
Gladiolus ‘Prins Claus’ features pristine white flowers with prominent cerise-pink or raspberry-red markings on the lower petals, creating a distinctive blotched pattern. These orchid-like blooms open more freely on the spike than other gladiolus varieties. This dwarf gladiolus typically reaches 50-70 cm (20-28 inches) tall, making it suitable for various garden settings. It produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers on sturdy, upright stems during mid-summer.
Planting and Growing
Successful cultivation requires a site with full sun, at least six hours daily for optimal flowering. Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is preferred, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Incorporating compost in spring improves soil drainage and fertility.
Plant ‘Prins Claus’ corms in spring after the last frost, once the soil has warmed. Plant corms 4-6 inches deep, pointed end up, and space them 6-8 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth. For continuous blooms, consider staggered planting by placing a few corms every two weeks until early summer.
Ongoing Care
Consistent moisture is important, especially during dry periods and blooming. Provide about 1 inch of water per week via rainfall or irrigation. Deep watering at the base encourages robust root development and helps prevent fungal diseases from wet foliage. After planting, apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer four to six weeks after planting, or when shoots are about 6 inches tall. A second application can be beneficial when flower spikes show color or buds form. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Given their mature height, ‘Prins Claus’ may require support to prevent stems from bending or falling over. Stake early as shoots emerge to avoid disturbing roots. Gently tie stems to stakes with garden twine, allowing room for continued growth.
Monitor for common pests like aphids and thrips. If infestations occur, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent diseases like corm rot and leaf spot by ensuring good soil drainage, avoiding overhead watering, and rotating planting sites annually. Promptly remove any infected plant parts to prevent disease spread.
Harvesting and Overwintering
For cut flower arrangements, harvest ‘Prins Claus’ when the lowest one to three florets have opened and remaining buds are closed. This allows gradual opening and extends vase life. Use a sharp knife or pruners for a clean, angled cut, and immediately place stems in cool water. Leave a few leaves on the plant to help the corm gather energy for the following year.
In colder climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and below), dig up gladiolus corms for overwintering. Do this in late summer or early fall, about six weeks after blooming or after the first light frost causes foliage to decline. Carefully dig up plants, gently shake off excess soil, and cut foliage back to 1-2 inches above the corm.
Allow corms to cure for two to three weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. Once dry, remove and discard the old, shriveled mother corm at the base of the new corms. Store cleaned corms in mesh bags, old nylon stockings, or in single layers in cardboard boxes with newspaper between layers. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location, with temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 to 7 degrees Celsius). This ensures viability for replanting the following spring.