What To Plant With Gladiolus In Pots

Choosing what to plant with gladiolus in pots can make your summer container spectacular. It’s all about finding the right partners that share the glad’s needs and hide its sometimes bare lower stems.

Gladiolus are the stars of the summer garden with their tall, dramatic flower spikes. But in a container, they can look a bit leggy on their own. The good news is that pairing them with the right companions solves this. You get a lush, full pot that blooms all season. This guide gives you the best plant partners and simple steps to create stunning combinations.

Your main goal is to pick plants that thrive in the same conditions as gladiolus. They need full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering. The best companions will fill in the base, add contrasting textures, and extend the visual interest.

Best Companion Plants for Glads in Containers

Here are some top choices that work beautifully with gladiolus.

Annuals for Filler and Color: These are the workhorses. Petunias, marigolds, and lobelia spill over the edges and cover the soil. They provide constant color while the glads grow and prepare to bloom.
Foliage Plants for Texture: Don’t forget about leaves! Dusty miller or sweet potato vine (like ‘Marguerite’ or ‘Blackie’) add beautiful silver or purple foliage. They create contrast and make the glad flowers pop even more.
Spillers and Trailers: Plants like ivy, creeping jenny, or bacopa soften the pot’s edges. They draw the eye downward and create a cascading, abundant look that feels professional.
Other Bulbs for Layered Bloom: You can plant shorter bulbs like dwarf dahlias or even alliums. They bloom at slightly different times, creating a succession of flowers in one container.

Plants to Avoid in Your Gladiolus Pot

Not every plant is a good roommate. Avoid these common mismatches.

Heavy Shade-Lovers: Impatiens or hostas will struggle and become leggy in the full sun your glads require. They just won’t thrive together.
Aggressive Spreaders: Some mints or bee balm can quickly overtake the pot, competing too aggressively with the gladiolus corms for water and nutrients.
Plants with Opposite Water Needs: Lavender or succulents prefer dry, arid conditions. Gladiolus need consistent moisture, so pairing them would lead to one unhappy plant.

Designing Your Gladiolus Container Garden

Think of your pot like a layered cake. Each plant has a role to play in the overall design.

The “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” Method

This classic container recipe works perfectly for gladiolus.

Thriller: Your gladiolus is the thriller. Plant the corms in the center or towards the back of the pot, depending on where it will be viewed from.
Filler: Surround the glad corms with your filler plants. These are the bushy annuals like zinnias or salvia that fill the middle space.
Spiller: Finally, place your trailing plants near the edge. They will spill over the sides as they grow, completing the look.

Choosing Colors and Textures

Consider your gladiolus color when picking companions. A white gladiolus looks stunning with deep purple petunias and silver dusty miller. A hot pink glad could be paired with softer pink vinca and white bacopa for a monochromatic scheme. The key is to create harmony or exciting contrast.

Step-by-Step: Planting Your Gladiolus Pot

Follow these steps for a healthy, blooming container.

Pick the Right Pot: Choose a large pot, at least 12-16 inches deep and wide. Glads have tall, heavy spikes and need stability. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes.
Use Quality Soil: Fill the pot with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Do not use garden soil, as it compacts in containers and drains poorly.
Plant the Gladiolus Corms: Plant the corms pointy-side up, about 4-6 inches deep. You can plant them closer together in pots than in the ground—space them about 3-4 inches apart.
Add Your Companion Plants: Arrange and plant your chosen fillers and spillers around the glad corms. Plant them at the same depth they were in their nursery pots.
Water Thoroughly: Give the entire pot a deep watering to settle the soil around all the roots and corms.
Add Support Early: It’s wise to insert a thin stake or support ring near each glad corm at planting time. This way, you can tie up the spike as it grows without damaging roots later.

Caring for Your Potted Gladiolus Display

Consistent care is simple but crucial for a long show of blooms.

Sunlight: Place the pot in a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Pots dry out fast in summer heat, so check daily.
Feeding: Feed every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support all those blooms and foliage.
Deadheading: Remove spent gladiolus flowers from the spike. Once the entire spike is done, cut it down to the base. This encourages the plant to put energy into the corm, not seed production.
Overwintering: In cold climates, you can’t leave the corms in the pot over winter. After the foliage yellows in fall, gently lift the corms, dry them, and store them in a cool, dark place for replanting next spring.

FAQ: Your Gladiolus Pot Questions Answered

How many gladiolus corms can I put in one pot?

For a standard 14-inch pot, you can plant 5-7 corms for a full look. In a larger container, you might group up to 10. Just ensure they are spaced about 3-4 inches apart so they have room.

Can I plant gladiolus with herbs?

Some herbs can work if they like sun and regular water. Dill or parsley might be okay, but many herbs (like rosemary, thyme, oregano) prefer drier conditions and are not ideal companions for glads.

What can I plant with gladiolus for continuous bloom?

Choose companions that bloom all summer, like geraniums, calibrachoa, or verbena. They’ll provide color before, during, and after the gladiolus spikes have their moment.

Do gladiolus in pots need staking?

Yes, almost always. The flower spikes are heavy and can snap in wind or rain. Providing a stake early on is the best way to ensure they stand tall and straight.

Can I leave gladiolus in pots over winter?

If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, you should not. The corms will likely freeze and rot. It’s best to lift and store them after the growing season ends for safekeeping.

Creating a beautiful pot with gladiolus and their companions is a rewarding project. With the right plant pairings and simple care, you’ll have a vibrant, eye-catching display that lasts for months. Remember to start with a big enough pot, use good soil, and don’t be afraid to mix colors and textures. Your summer container will be the highlight of your patio or garden.