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Gladiolus 'Atom' (Gladiolus)

Gladiolus 'Atom' Photo/Illustration: Scott Kunst


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Gladiolus 'Atom' glad-ee-OH-lus Common Name: Gladiolus Genus: Gladiolus
A glad for people who would normally never grow them, 'Atom' is about half the size of regular varieties, growing to at most 3 feet tall. This 1946 classic blends easily into perennial borders, and it won't get lost because its flowers are blazing red cooled by a thin, silvery edge.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Shorter stature than most glads, with an eye-catching flower color that nevertheless fits well into borders.
 Care: Full sun to part shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Treat as annuals, or dig up and store 6 weeks after bloom (dip in fungicide and allow to dry for a few weeks).
 Propagation: Sow seed at 59°F in spring. Separate cormlets when dormant.
 Problems: Gladiolus corm rot (Fusarium), gray mold (Botrytis), viruses, aster yellows, spider mites, thrips, aphids.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Red Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual
Style , Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest , Summer Interest
Type ,Perennials

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