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Gladiolus plants

Jlpknight87Jlpknight87 Posts: 25
in Problem solving
Hi guys,
I am new to gardening and last I inherited and lovely established garden with literally hundreds of different species (which I have very little/none knowledge of). Last year my Gladioli looked beautiful this time of year. However this year not so much. They have just began to bloom but the leaves are turning yellow and I fear the worse. Quick research suggest I should of lifted the bulbs and stored them over winter but I didn't. What should I do moving forward? 
Thanks,
James
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Posts

  • Jlpknight87Jlpknight87 Posts: 25
    Here's a pic for assistance 
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Looks like G.byzantinus. They are hardy, so do not need lifting. Can see no reason why they are not doing well.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Jlpknight87Jlpknight87 Posts: 25
    If that's the case then that's a relief... Would you think it would be as simple as giving them some liquid fertiliser? Last year the foilage was a brilliantly lush green...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It could just be that last year's weather conditions suited them better. Or perhaps the opposite, and they didn't get what they needed to build up the corms for this year's flowers. A feed should help them to build up for next year.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Jlpknight87Jlpknight87 Posts: 25
    Thanks Jenny, 
    I'm afraid I am guilty of not laying a good quality mulch in autumn. Will not be making that mistake again. 
    I have been busy this spring with mulching and feeding but it may have a been a little too late for these plants. 
  • rebeccamM6CA_Gn6rebeccamM6CA_Gn6 Posts: 133
    Sorry my comment is late! They like to be watered 3 time’s per week when growing and a feed is certainly needed 1 or 2 times per month for sure! They maybe lacking nutrition...
  • Jlpknight87Jlpknight87 Posts: 25
    Thank you Rebecca. And there's me worried about over watering! 
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Not meaning to be rude, but you can't say they need watering 3 times a week. The amount of watering depends on how wet the soil is; could be every day, or once a fortnight.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Ruth S. SainzRuth S. Sainz Posts: 8
    James, Gladioli seem to love heat and very little water from my experience. I could ignore them for a month (I'm based in Spain, I cannot edit my profile...) and they would be happy. Maybe you had too much rain during winter?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2020
    I don't think they'd survive here if I was to water three times a week - on top of all the rain.  
    I doubt they'd survive here anyway, come to think of it...
    I was under the impression they weren't hardy either @punkdoc, like the Acidantheras?

    Overfeeding can often cause lots of green growth at the expense of flowers too, and other planting can take nutrition. In short - there are lots of factors which can cause a change. 
    It's possible they were planted by the previous owners and just haven't been particularly suited to the site, and have  managed to perform for a year or two, then fizzled out. A feed might help to boost them for next year though.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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