Black Beauty Gladiolus

Black Beauty Gladiolus (Gladiolus x hortulanus ‘Black Beauty’) adds a dramatic twist to the back border of a garden with its tall blooms in dark velvety burgundy. Also known as Sword Lilies, Gladiolus are lovely against the greens of perennial foliage, as a stand-alone focal point, or mixed with Allium, ornamental grasses, Agastache and Salvia for a sweet summer treat. Historically, Gladioli have been grown in or near vegetable gardens as they attract beneficial insects and pollinators for increased yield. Easy-to-grow and deer resistant, plant Gladioli in 2--week intervals for a long season of bloom. For the best cut flowers, select stems with only a few open (or almost open) flowers. Cut the stems in the cool part of the day with a sharp knife and place each stem in lukewarm water with a flower preservative. Warm temperatures will encourage them to open, to preserve the flowers, move them to a cooler location and enjoy. 48-60" tall.