Gladioli are bulbs Alison. You can lift them, but I've left mine in for years and the majority come back every year. If ever any don't, I plant a few new ones. Gorgeous flowers. Good luck :~)

Gladioli are corms, though the term 'bulb' is often used, they do not need lifting.

Copy and paste the url below into your web browser to understand the difference (and ignore the poor typing!)

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/bulbs/bulbbasics.cfm

They originate fom South Africa and are, technically, frost tender but I know that many people leave them in the ground over winter. Some gladioli species are more susceptible to frost than others.

I bought cheap ones from Wilkinsons a couple of years ago and those get left in the ground and they pop up every year, it must depend on the temperatures and soil type though as to whether they'll come through - plus the different varieties too, as Bulbaholic said.

i have found some survive and some dont. and it doesnt seem to matter where they are in the garden I tend to plant the corms at least 6" deep too.

I'm zone 5 and most of my glads come back. They are more likely to if by a house (which mine are), because the soil is more insulated.

hi guys thanks for all your advise will leave it where it is and hope for the best. the crocosmia lucifer that i inherited in the garden which is lovely and everywhere is fine over winter and thats from south africa i believe and they survived even last winter so am hopeful ....