Orange is making a massive comeback and the unusual tangerine colouring of Gladiolus 'Royal Class' really taps into that trend with all its might. Growing tall and strong on impressive, upright pokers, these gorgeous orange sword lilies are high impact with a vertical accent which contrasts beautifully with neighbouring plants. It mixes easily into a hot, exotic colour scheme (think cannas, dahlias, hedychiums and colocasias), though to really show off your design credentials, a border which is heavy on purples and oranges creates such a buzz!  

If you’re going to make a planting scheme pop by including Gladiolus 'Royal Class' for planting partners think along the lines of a sea of Nepeta 'Junior Walker', Salvia 'Amethyst', Geranium 'Rozanne', and Verbena bonariensis, with a smattering of Lilium 'Tiger Babies' and Crocosmia 'Sunset' erupting like flames—it’ll be truly sensational. When it comes to planting gladiolus, little and often is best. Make successional plantings (i.e. plant a proportion every couple of weeks throughout April and May), your gladiolus flowering period will be extended significantly. Plant your Gladiolus 'Royal Class' corms at approximately three times their depth, and choose a sunny, well-draining spot.