Awaken your garden with large flowering Gladiolus Orleans, a floral gem that ushers in the summer with an abundance of soft, lilac blossoms.The striking 4-inch (10 cm) florets, numbering a dozen or more, elegantly adorn strong, towering 5 foot stems and pointed sword-like leaves. Gladioli, commonly known as 'Glads', create a striking focal point in flower borders and containers, captivating both butterflies and hummingbirds. To enjoy the blooms for many weeks through July and August, plant corms at two week intervals from early spring until the end of June.With a long vase life, Glads make for excellent cut flowers, adding vertical intrigue to indoor arrangement. Pair with other soft coloured flowers for a summer garden of pastel perfection.• Plant in spring after the last frost.• If you cannot plant your bulbs and perennials right away, store them in a cool, dry, dark location, like a basement.• Plant them with the pointy end up in a sunny to semi-shaded area about 13 cm (5 in) deep and 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in) apart.• Water thoroughly after planting.