Quick Guide: summer, half-hardy, full sun, height:20-60cm/8-24in, width: 30cm/12in

Gladioli bear their lily-like flowers on one side of an erect spike. Large-flowered hybrids arc the best choice for the garden border; for cutting, choose Primulinus hybrids, 45-90cm/18in-3ft high, or Miniatures, the same height but with numerous smaller florets. The colour range is breathtaking, including both bright and subtle shades, but no blues.

GROWING Dig a layer of well-rotted manure into the site in earl, spring. Rake bonemeal into the surface at 75g/m2- (3oz/sq. yd). Plant corms l0cm/4in deep, more in light soil, in spring. If the corms are not deep enough the mature plants may keel over. Space gladioli for cutting in rows 30cm/12in apart. Keep weedfree. Do not water for 8-10 weeks, then water generously. When the foliage yellows lift the corms and cut off the main stem to 1cm/ 1/2in. Dry off in warmth and store in a cool frost-free place.

PROPAGATION Detach cormlets from the base of the parent and treat in the same way, raising them in nursery beds and storing over winter until they reach flowering size in the second year.

VARIETIES Large-flowered: 'Peter Pears' (above), salmon pink; Primulinus: `Apex', warm red; Miniature: `Greenbird', sulphur green.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Thrips, soil pests,gladiolus dry rot.