Gladiolus communis, the eastern gladiolus, or common corn-flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to temperate northern Africa, western Asia and southern Europe, from the Mediterranean to the Caucasus, and widely naturalised in frost-free locations elsewhere – such as coastal parts of the southwestern British Isles.
Native to the Mediterranean area, Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus (Byzantine Gladiolus) is a bulbous perennial that features narrow sword-shaped leaves in a fan of 3-5 erect flowering spikes, each bearing up to 15 bold, magenta funnel-shaped flowers, 2" wide (5cm).
Blooming in late spring to early summer, this eye-catching beauty grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and gradually spreads to form large clumps.
Puts a terrific show in beds and borders when mixed with other perennials or ornamental grasses. Great for cutting too!
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993), it is resilient to disease.
Plant in a sheltered location to protect your Gladioli from strong winds.
Best flowering occurs in full sun in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Light shade is tolerated. This plant will naturalize and multiply with great enthusiasm in favorable growing conditions.
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
To be planted in fall. In cold areas, provide a thick, protective winter mulch
This plant is useful.
This plant might be poisonous
