This Easy-to-Grow Flower Was Just Named the Summer Bulb of the Year

If you're looking for inspiration for your summer garden, take a gander at this striking flower that was just named the top bulb of 2026.

The gladiolus has been crowned the Summer Bulb of the Year by Flowerbulb.eu, earning top honors for its dramatic beauty, wide color range, and pollinator-friendly appeal.

Planted in spring after the last frost, gladiolus corms (aka bulb’s sturdier cousin) produce towering spikes of fragrant blooms in nearly every color that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and bumblebees.

The name is rooted in the Latin gladius, meaning sword—a nod to the striking, sword-shaped foliage and the nickname "sword lily," explains Flowerbulb.eu, a promotional agency for the flower bulb sector in the Netherlands.

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Among the hundreds of available varieties, large-flowered gladioli are the most popular, but shorter varieties work well in containers. Miniature varieties grow between one and two feet tall, while modern hybrids can reach over four feet in height. The long flower spikes are lined with dozens of buds that open sequentially from bottom to top.

Because of their tall flower spikes, gladiolus need a little extra support, such as a bamboo stake, to keep them straight. Flowerbulb.eu also suggests planting gladioli among ornamental grasses that naturally support them, as well as peonies, which offer sturdy support plus make for a romantic pairing. Or consider combining them with dahlias to create a bold blend of color, texture, and height.

The agency says that the flowers grow best in USDA Zones 7–10, which roughly spans the southern U.S. from the Atlantic coast to Texas. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil in a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight daily and water regularly during dry periods. According to Flowerbulb.eu, you can extend the flowering season by planting corms every two weeks through the end of June.