PlantFiles: Sword Lily, Hardy Gladiolus, Jacob's Ladder
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus

I live near Ottawa, in Canada (about USDA zone 4, I believe...) and I planted about 20 of those in a clump last fall. I planted them on the deep side, fearing they would get zapped by our really cold winters but I did not mulch. Guess what? They where among the most eager to poke through the still partially frozen ground. I am so looking forward to see them bloom! So, they are probably hardier than thought, given very well draining soil and a deeper planting.

This is my first year with Gladiolus Byzantinus. I ordered them from Brent & Becky's & they were planted in October 2009.

I didn't even realize they were about to flower until a few popped open. The buds don't look like typical flower buds. They kind of remind me of "Wheat".

They're very, very pretty, kind of delicate-looking yet don't need to be staked. I've read that the flower colors can vary. Mine are a Deep Fuchsia & now that the first flowers have started blooming, the rest are opening quickly.

I love that they're not overpowering yet definitely hold their own in the garden. I will definitely be buying more.

I received a handful of these byzantine glads. from a friend. I potted them up, they stayed dormant all through the growing season. I thought the tubers were gone, but recently I discovered they have sprouted indoor sharing a pot with my tender cannas. I'll add pix once these mature & flower this coming growing season.

Bloom color can vary from deep purple red to dark hot pink. In my Ohio zone 5 garden it blooms late May/early June with yarrow and columbine. Soil can be average to dry. Beautiful.

Dainty and cheerful, does not need staking. Very special for me as received from a special friend.

Thhis plant as stated is "daintier" and more delicate than regular gladiolus..... the blossoms are smaller.... but still very showy..... the plants as a whole also look much better poking out of the ground...... they don't jut out at such strange (rigid) angles as regular gladiola.... looks much more "graceful" in the garden..... Very easy to grow.... overwintered perfectly without any real extra protection (mulch etc.) and no bulbs rotted.... planted a few and I believe every single one came up and has a flower on it.... I even think the buds before they open are pretty (resemble a green chasmanthe or some kind of grain)..... pretty strappy foliage..... bloomed for me in May/June :)
A real favorite! :)

I find this heirloom plant very fulfilling and very common around NW Louisiana where I reside. I acquired my corms from old abandoned home sites and they have multiplied and bloomed faithfully every year without fail. After the blooms fade the bloom stalks are a tiny bit obvious, and the succession of opening allows for the lower ones to be dead before the top ones open, but the loveliness of the blossoms more than makes up for this distraction.
Blessed, Dan Brown, Elm Grove, LA

A more dainty plant than the modern cultivars, G. byzantinus is a very old plant that works well in cottage gardens. Its delicate blooms typically don't require staking.

Planted deeply (3-5") these bulbs can stay in the ground year-round in zones 5 and warmer. Give the bulbs well-drained soil to avoid rot, although they will tolerate a heavy soil as long as they aren't subjected to standing water.