Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Gladiolus

Gladiolus is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts in the early stages and paid for it. bulb rot from waterlogging in poorly drained soil also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a mixed border with later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter is visible but muted. peak spring bulb display from tulips and daffodils gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.