Gladiolus Tenuis

Gladiolus tenuis is a slender hardy gladiolus native from Ukraine through southern Russia to the Caucasus. Narrow, almost grass-like leaves accompany fine stems bearing loose spikes of violet-purple flowers, sometimes marked with paler lines on the lower segments. Its light, natural habit is far removed from the heavy spikes of modern florist hybrids and blends easily into meadow-style planting. In the wild it favours moist grassland and open slopes, so it is best grown in a sunny position with dependable moisture during active growth and good drainage around the resting corms.