Butterfly gladioli get their name because of their frilled petals which makes the flowering spire of blooms look like a large company of these winged insects have gathered at one time. Real butterflies, along with other pollinators like bees, are attracted to gladioli, so this should make them feel right at home. It also gives the flower spire a soft look, definitely different to the more staid and stern look often associated with gladioli. Developed from a cross between winter and summer hybrids, butterfly gladiolus bulbs are hardier than some other varieties, and can be left in the ground in areas with milder winters, or dug out and stored in autumn in harsher climates. Shorter than the tall gladioli, butterfly gladioli also produce smaller blooms.