Gladiolus byzantinus

If airy, wafty planting schemes are your style, then Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus is definitely one to grow for early-summer colour, height and movement. The tall, slender stems are upright and strong, bearing possibly the most graceful and natural of all gladiolus flowers – delicate in shape yet positively humming with vibrancy – all above sleek sword-like foliage. Grow them in groups in herbaceous borders for a lovely cottage-garden look, or dot them among ornamental grasses for a truly elegant, sophisticated and contemporary display.

Gladiolus byzantinus is fairly hardy and can tolerate frost, but may not withstand a deep freeze so it’s best to grow them on in a container during winter and the plant it outside in mid-spring. If you live in a milder area, it’s usually fairly safe to leave the corms in the ground for winter, especially once they’re established. Alternatively, the corms can be lifted and stored for winter before planting out again the following spring. A great bonus of this lovely plant is its excellent vase life and striking looks when used as a cut flower.

You won’t be able to resist the urge to snip a few to display indoors, so grow a few large swathes of them and enjoy them best both ways!