This cormous perennial plant has erect foliage and forms a clump and becomes dormant during winter. It has sword-shaped light green leaves and produces red to white funnel-shaped flowers that appear in a spike from late spring to summer.  

Hardiness zones 6 to 10

Gladiolus hybrids are  naturally found in Europe growing in well drained fertile moist light soils in an open sunny position and are frost and drought tender. 

Gladioli are grown for its colourful flowers and clumping habit. It is planted along perennial borders in small or cottage gardens or mass planted for bedding displays in parks. The flowers are commonly used in floral arrangements and are available in a wide range of colours. It establishes from division in 2 to 3 years and is suitable for coastal and inland regions.  When cutting the flowers take care not to damage the leaves as they produce the food for the corms. ID 246

Gladiolus (glad-ee-OH-lus) hybrids

'Gladiolus': from gladius - a sword (refers to the shape of the leaves).

Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
Iris Family