Gladiolus Alaska (Sword Lily)

Gladiolus ‘Alaska’ (Sword Lily) boasts attractive spikes of large, 4-5 in. (10-12 cm), gently ruffled, pure white flowers. Each flower spike counts up to 12 blooms and rises among erect, narrow, deep-green sword-shaped leaves.

Gladiolus 'Alaska' (Sword Lily) boasts attractive spikes of large, 4-5 in. (10-12 cm), gently ruffled, pure white flowers. Each flower spike counts up to 12 blooms and rises among erect, narrow, deep-green sword-shaped leaves. Spectacular on its own, in the summer garden or in a vase. Since the flowers open from the bottom of the spike up, sword-lilies provide a long-lasting floral display, each flowering spike blooming for up to two weeks.

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm). The bigger the corm, the more chance it will produce larger plants and more spectacular flowers.
  • Best flowering occurs in full sun in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils except clay. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
  • Ideal for cutting, this sword-lilies deserve a prime spot in beds, borders and are well suited for containers.
  • Sword-Lilies bloom for 2 weeks or so. To extend their colorful show, you may plant them every two weeks from the last frost date until early summer. It typically takes 10-12 weeks from planting to flowering.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Bulbs
Plant Family Gladiolus – Sword Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spacing 4″
– 6″
(10cm
– 15cm)
Depth 4"
(10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden