Introduction
There is a unique thrill in watching the first green spears of a summer garden pierce through the soil, promising a season of towering color and architectural drama. If you have ever fallen in love with the stately, sword-like presence of gladiolus, you know how these vertical accents can transform a flat border into a dynamic landscape. At Longfield Gardens, we enjoy helping gardeners find the perfect plants to elevate their outdoor spaces, and adding height is one of the most effective ways to do just that.
This guide is designed for home gardeners who want to capture that signature gladiolus look using a variety of perennials, annuals, and other summer-blooming bulbs. We will explore plants that share the "sword lily" aesthetic, offer similar vertical spikes, or provide the same vibrant, multi-tonal blooms that make gladiolus such a favorite for cutting. Whether you are looking for long-lived perennials or easy-to-plant bulbs, there are many wonderful options to help you reach new heights in your garden.
Adding vertical interest is a simple way to make any garden bed look more professional and intentional. By selecting plants with a similar growth habit, you can create a cohesive look that draws the eye upward and adds layers to your landscape.
The Architectural Magic of Vertical Flowers
In garden design, vertical plants are often referred to as "thrillers" or "architectural accents." They break up the horizontal lines of lower-growing mounds and groundcovers. Gladiolus is the classic example of this, with its tall, unbranched stems and florets that open sequentially from bottom to top.
When searching for plants like gladiolus, we generally look for three specific traits. First is the "spike" inflorescence, where many small flowers are clustered along a central stem. Second is the sword-like foliage that stays tidy and upright even when the plant isn't in bloom. Third is the ability to produce high-impact color in a relatively small footprint.
The beauty of these upright plants is that they require very little horizontal space. You can tuck them into small gaps between established shrubs or use them to line a fence or a walkway. Because they grow up rather than out, they are perfect for both expansive suburban borders and compact urban gardens.
Liatris: The Perennial Blazing Star
If you love the verticality of gladiolus but want a plant that returns year after year without needing to be lifted in the fall, Liatris is an excellent choice. Also known as "Blazing Star" or Gayfeather, this North American native produces fuzzy, bottle-brush spikes of purple or white flowers.
One of the most interesting things about Liatris is that it blooms from the top down, which is the opposite of most spiked flowers. This creates a unique visual effect as the color gradually works its way down the stem. The foliage is fine and grass-like, which complements the bolder leaves of many other garden plants.
Liatris is incredibly easy to grow. It thrives in full sun and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. It is also a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a "must-have" for anyone interested in supporting local pollinators.
Key Takeaway: Liatris offers a perennial alternative to gladiolus with a unique top-down blooming habit and excellent pollinator appeal.
Growing Tips for Liatris
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for strong, upright stems.
- Soil: They prefer well-drained soil; "drainage" simply means the water moves through the soil quickly rather than sitting in puddles.
- Spacing: Plant them about 6 to 8 inches apart for a dense, meadow-like look.
Acidanthera: The Fragrant Peacock Orchid
For a plant that is botanically related to the gladiolus and shares its elegant form, look no further than Acidanthera. Often called the "Peacock Orchid" or Gladiolus murielae, this plant features the same sword-shaped leaves you know and love, but with a different flower style.
The blooms of Acidanthera are creamy white with a deep chocolate-purple star at the center. Unlike the densely packed florets of a standard gladiolus, these flowers are more delicate and nodding, dangling gracefully from the tops of 2-to-3-foot stems.
The real secret to Acidanthera is its scent. On a warm summer evening, these flowers release a beautiful, jasmine-like fragrance that carries through the air. They are wonderful for planting near a patio or a window where you can enjoy the perfume.
What to do next:
- Plant Acidanthera in late spring once the soil is warm.
- Group at least 10 to 12 corms together for a high-impact display.
- Place them in the middle of a border where their mid-height stems can bridge the gap between low and tall plants.
Delphinium: The King of the Border
For pure, saturated color and impressive height, Delphiniums are the gold standard. These perennials produce massive, densely packed spikes of flowers in shades of true blue, lavender, pink, and white. While they have a reputation for being a bit more demanding than gladiolus, the reward is well worth the effort.
Delphiniums provide a very similar "architectural" feel to gladiolus but with a much fuller, more voluminous flower spike. They can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet in the right conditions, making them perfect for the back of a flower bed.
They enjoy cooler summer weather and rich soil. In warmer climates, they may behave more like an annual or a short-lived perennial, but many gardeners replant them every year just to enjoy that incredible blue color.
Foxgloves: Whimsical Vertical Spikes
Foxgloves, or Digitalis, bring a cottage-garden charm that is hard to beat. Like gladiolus, they produce tall spikes with many individual bell-shaped flowers. The inside of each "bell" is often decorated with intricate spots, adding to their whimsical look.
Most foxgloves are biennials, which means they spend their first year growing a rosette of leaves and their second year producing those magnificent flowers. However, there are many perennial varieties available now that will bloom every year.
Foxgloves are a great option for gardeners who have a mix of sun and light shade. While gladiolus needs full sun to thrive, foxgloves are happy in the dappled light found at the edge of a woodland or under the canopy of a large tree.
Key Takeaway: Foxgloves are the perfect vertical accent for part-shade areas where traditional gladiolus might struggle.
Crocosmia: Vibrant Color and Sword Foliage
If it is the sword-like foliage of the gladiolus that you find most appealing, Crocosmia is a fantastic companion or alternative. The leaves are nearly identical in shape and texture, staying upright and tidy throughout the growing season.
The flowers of Crocosmia are held on arched, wiry stems that branch out from the main plant. They come in fiery shades of red, orange, and bright yellow. A popular variety we often suggest is 'Lucifer', which features brilliant tomato-red blooms that are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Crocosmia is a hardy perennial in many zones. It spreads slowly over time, forming a lush clump that provides a great vertical element even before the flowers appear in mid-to-late summer.
Simple Steps for Crocosmia Success:
- Plant the small corms about 3 to 4 inches deep.
- Choose a spot with full sun for the most flowers.
- Leave the foliage alone after blooming; it helps the plant store energy for next year.
Kniphofia: The Red Hot Poker
Kniphofia, commonly known as "Red Hot Poker" or "Torch Lily," is perhaps the most striking plant on this list. It produces thick, sturdy stalks topped with cylindrical flower heads that look like glowing torches.
The colors often transition from red at the top to orange and then yellow at the bottom, creating a "poker" effect. The foliage is very similar to a coarse grass or a narrow gladiolus leaf, forming a dense mound at the base.
This is a tough, sun-loving perennial that can handle heat and poor soil once it is established. It adds a bold, almost tropical texture to the garden and pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and blue-toned perennials like Russian Sage.
Hollyhocks: The Classic Tower
Hollyhocks are the ultimate "tall" plant for many gardeners. They can easily reach 7 or 8 feet in height, towering over fences and garden sheds. Like gladiolus, the flowers grow along a central stalk, though the individual blooms are much larger and more circular.
Hollyhocks come in a vast array of colors, including deep "black" purples, soft pastels, and bright primary colors. They have a very traditional, nostalgic feel and are synonymous with English cottage gardens.
Because they grow so tall, hollyhocks are best placed at the very back of a garden bed. They appreciate being planted against a wall or a fence, which can help protect their tall stems from being tossed about by strong winds.
Quick Hollyhock Checklist:
- Location: Back of the border or against a structure.
- Support: May need a stake if planted in an open, windy area.
- Airflow: Give them plenty of space to ensure good air circulation around the leaves.
Lupines: Textural Spikes for Early Summer
Lupines offer a slightly different texture than gladiolus, but they provide the same strong vertical lines. Their flower spikes are very dense and "chunky," with pea-like blossoms that come in almost every color imaginable, including stunning bicolors.
The foliage of a lupine is quite different from the sword-like leaves of a gladiolus. It features palm-shaped leaves that look like little green umbrellas. This creates a beautiful contrast when the two are planted in the same vicinity.
Lupines generally bloom in late spring and early summer, making them a great way to start the "vertical season" before your gladiolus and other mid-summer spikes take over the show.
Canna Lilies: Tropical Height and Bold Leaves
While Canna lilies don't produce a narrow spike in the same way gladiolus do, they offer a similar vertical impact and "sword-like" presence, though on a much grander scale. Cannas are known for their massive, paddle-shaped leaves and bright, exotic flowers.
They can range in height from 2 feet to over 6 feet depending on the variety. The foliage is often the main attraction, with some varieties featuring stripes of burgundy, bronze, or bright yellow.
Like gladiolus, Cannas grow from an underground structure (a rhizome) and love the heat of summer. They are perfect for adding a tropical flair to your garden and work exceptionally well in large containers or at the center of a sunny flower bed.
Verbascum: The Mullein Spike
Verbascum is an underutilized perennial that deserves more attention for its vertical beauty. It produces slender, elegant spikes of flowers in shades of yellow, copper, white, and pink.
The flowers are smaller and more delicate than gladiolus florets, giving the plant a refined, airy appearance. The base of the plant features a soft, silvery-green rosette of leaves that stays close to the ground, allowing the flower spikes to really stand out.
Verbascum is very drought-tolerant and thrives in gravel gardens or areas with leaner soil. It is a great choice for gardeners looking for a "vertical" plant that feels a bit more modern and wild.
Designing with Vertical Plants
When you have selected your favorite plants like gladiolus, the next step is deciding where to put them. Designing with vertical plants is all about balance and contrast. Here are a few simple ways to use these "tall" beauties effectively.
The "Layered" Approach
Think of your garden like a theater stage. You want the tallest plants in the back, the mid-sized plants in the middle, and the shortest ones in the front. Gladiolus, Hollyhocks, and Delphiniums are almost always "back-row" or "middle-row" players. By layering them behind mounding plants like Geraniums or Hostas, you hide the bottom of the stems and let the flower spikes "float" above the other foliage.
Repeating Verticals
One of the best ways to create a sense of rhythm in your garden is to repeat your vertical accents. Instead of planting one lone Liatris or one clump of Crocosmia, plant them in small groups of three or five at regular intervals along your border. This leads the eye through the garden and makes the design feel more cohesive.
Color Echoing
Try to match the color of your vertical spikes with other elements in your garden. For example, if you are planting purple Liatris, you might pair it with a purple-toned dahlia or a variegated Hosta that has a similar lavender bloom. This "color echoing" makes the vertical plants feel like a natural part of the environment rather than a random addition.
Key Takeaway: Using vertical plants in groups and layers creates a professional, high-impact look that maximizes the visual drama of each flower spike.
Caring for Tall, Spiked Flowers
Most plants that grow in a tall, vertical fashion share a few common care requirements. Because they put so much energy into producing those long stems and heavy flower heads, a little extra attention goes a long way.
Watering and Soil
Most vertical-growing plants, especially those grown from bulbs or corms like gladiolus and Acidanthera, prefer soil that is rich but well-drained. A simple rule is to water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving them a light sprinkle every day. This encourages the roots to grow deep into the soil, which helps the plant stay stable and upright.
Supporting Tall Stems
Even the sturdiest plants can occasionally lean if they are hit by a heavy summer rain or a sudden gust of wind. To keep your garden looking its best, you might consider using simple bamboo stakes or "link-stakes" for the tallest varieties like Delphiniums or Hollyhocks. At Longfield Gardens, we recommend putting these supports in place early in the season so the plants can grow into them, making the stakes nearly invisible by the time the flowers bloom.
After-Bloom Care
Once the flowers on a spike have faded, you can usually cut the central stem back to where it meets the foliage. This process, called "deadheading," keeps the garden looking tidy and prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production. For perennials, this might even encourage a second, smaller flush of flowers later in the season.
How to Get the Longest Bloom Season
One of the most common questions we hear is how to keep the vertical color going all summer long. The secret is "succession planting" and variety selection.
- Early Summer: Start the season with Lupines and Foxgloves.
- Mid-Summer: This is the prime time for Delphiniums, Liatris, and the first wave of Gladiolus.
- Late Summer: Finish strong with Crocosmia, Acidanthera, and late-blooming Gladiolus varieties.
If you are planting gladiolus bulbs, you can stagger your planting. By planting a handful of bulbs every two weeks from late spring through early July, you ensure that as one group finishes blooming, the next is just beginning. This keeps your garden (and your vases) full of color for months on end.
Choosing the Right Spot
"Right plant, right place" is the most important rule in gardening. Before you plant, take a moment to observe your yard. Most of the plants discussed here crave full sun—which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If a tall plant doesn't get enough sun, it will "reach" for the light, resulting in a weak, floppy stem.
Also, consider the wind. If you have a particularly breezy spot, choose the shorter or sturdier varieties, like Liatris or Crocosmia, which are less likely to be damaged by the wind. If you have your heart set on the 6-foot giants, place them in a sheltered area near a fence or the side of the house.
What to do next:
- Measure your sunny spots to see how much room you have for vertical accents.
- Check your USDA hardiness zone map to see which perennials will survive the winter in your area.
- Sketch a simple "back-to-front" plan for your garden bed to visualize the layers.
Vertical Plants for Cutting
Many people love gladiolus specifically for their use in floral arrangements. If you are a fan of home-grown bouquets, many of these "plants like gladiolus" are also excellent for cutting.
Delphiniums and Liatris are staples of the floral industry because their stiff stems and long-lasting blooms are easy to work with. Acidanthera is a wonderful "secret ingredient" for bouquets, adding both height and a sweet fragrance that gladiolus typically lack.
When cutting spiked flowers, the best time to do so is in the early morning when the plants are most hydrated. For the longest vase life, cut the stem when the bottom few florets are just beginning to open. The rest of the buds will continue to open over the next week, providing an ever-changing display on your dining room table.
Conclusion
Creating a garden filled with vertical drama is a rewarding project that brings a sense of elegance and excitement to your outdoor space. By incorporating plants like gladiolus—whether they are true cousins like Acidanthera or architectural perennials like Liatris and Kniphofia—you can enjoy a season full of towering color and interesting textures.
At Longfield Gardens, we are committed to helping you find the 100% Quality Guarantee bulbs and perennials to make these garden dreams a reality. Remember that gardening is an journey of observation and adjustment; each season offers a new chance to try a different color combination or a new tall variety.
- Start with the basics: Choose a sunny spot with good drainage.
- Mix it up: Combine annual bulbs with hardy perennials for a longer season.
- Think in layers: Place your tallest plants at the back to create a beautiful backdrop.
- Support your stars: Use stakes early to keep your tall spikes standing proud.
"Vertical plants are the exclamation points of the garden; they provide the emphasis and height that turn a collection of plants into a finished landscape."
We invite you to explore our selection of summer-blooming bulbs and perennials to find the perfect vertical accents for your own backyard.
FAQ
Which of these plants are most like gladiolus for cutting?
Liatris and Delphiniums are the best alternatives for cutting, as they have sturdy stems and a similar "spike" form. Acidanthera is also excellent and adds a beautiful fragrance to arrangements.
Do I need to dig up these plants in the winter?
It depends on your climate and the specific plant. Gladiolus, Acidanthera, and Canna lilies are usually lifted and stored indoors in colder zones. Perennials like Liatris, Crocosmia, and Hollyhocks can typically stay in the ground year-round.
How do I stop my tall flower spikes from falling over?
The best way is to plant them in full sun so the stems grow strong and straight. Additionally, watering deeply but less frequently encourages a strong root system, and using bamboo stakes can provide extra support during summer storms.
Can I grow these tall plants in containers?
Yes, many can be grown in pots! Choose a large, heavy container to prevent it from tipping over. Shorter varieties of gladiolus, Acidanthera, and dwarf Canna lilies are particularly well-suited for container gardening.
