Gladiolus communis byzantinus 12 bulbs

An RHS Award of Garden Merit holder, Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus brings a wonderfully wild, cottage-garden elegance to early summer borders. Tall, arching spikes are lined with vivid magenta-pink flowers, each marked with fine white streaking, rising above narrow, sword-shaped foliage. Hardier and more relaxed in habit than the large-flowered hybrid gladioli, it's perfect for naturalising through borders, meadow-style plantings and gravel gardens, and makes a striking, long-lasting cut flower too.

Reaching up to 90cm in height, this variety is best planted in autumn or early spring, 10cm deep, in well-drained soil in full sun. Unlike many gladioli, it's fully hardy in most of the UK and can be left in the ground year-round once established, slowly naturalising into generous clumps. Taller stems may benefit from a little support in exposed or windy spots.