I'd say that's a lily of some kind. Yes, cut it down. It should start back into growth in the spring. I would repot it with fresh compost in the early spring before it starts regrowing.
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
I've never seen a gladiolus 'bulb' described as huge - gladioli grow from corms which are formed from the swollen bases of stems and are replaced by new corms every year.
Many lily bulbs grow larger year on year if left undisturbed.
The spear-like leaves in the picture may not be from the same plant as the seed pods.
If you look at the lily seed pods on this site, showing how to collect the seeds, you'll see how they look very similar to the ones in the OP's photograph, which are splitting into three sections, as described in the instructions on how to collect the seeds. http://www.mikesbackyardgarden.org/lilyprop2.html
“I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh
My phormium has no bulb, and the seed pods are long black and dangle like bunches of black thin bananas. I think it looks more like a Lily, maybe lilium henryi, or even a cardiocrinum giganteum. If it is a cardiocrinum, the main bulb dies, then leaves offsets which have to grow on for a number of years before flowering again.
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I'd say that's a lily of some kind. Yes, cut it down. It should start back into growth in the spring. I would repot it with fresh compost in the early spring before it starts regrowing.
Dove is probably right, but could be Phormium or Cordyline type plant.
for the fag ends of the aristocracy.
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
My bet is on gladiolus, as well
Does look like glad seed pods but they have quite small bulbs and the OP said it was huge so more likely a lily I would think.
I've never seen a gladiolus 'bulb' described as huge - gladioli grow from corms which are formed from the swollen bases of stems and are replaced by new corms every year.
Many lily bulbs grow larger year on year if left undisturbed.
The spear-like leaves in the picture may not be from the same plant as the seed pods.
If you look at the lily seed pods on this site, showing how to collect the seeds, you'll see how they look very similar to the ones in the OP's photograph, which are splitting into three sections, as described in the instructions on how to collect the seeds. http://www.mikesbackyardgarden.org/lilyprop2.html
My phormium has no bulb, and the seed pods are long black and dangle like bunches of black thin bananas. I think it looks more like a Lily, maybe lilium henryi, or even a cardiocrinum giganteum. If it is a cardiocrinum, the main bulb dies, then leaves offsets which have to grow on for a number of years before flowering again.
I don't suppose there is any chance of a photo of the bulb?
Here is bulb and foliage. Ive dug them up from planter as they were taking over and suffocating other plants.
Gladiolus
Thanks so much. So can i cut it right down then? And cut stem with seed pods too.?