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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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