Gladiolus italicus – Vibrant pink-purple flower on thin stalks may rise as tall as 36 inches on the low growing Field Gladiolus. Flowers arrive on medium-light green stalks in late spring to early summer. They are spaced and open providing a delicate and casual appearance. It is sweet and grassy in comparison to the staunch and dense florist glads that may come to mind. Broadly distributed in parts of southern Europe to places in Asia, the Sword Lily thrives in well draining average to sandy-rocky soils in plenty of sun. A good rock garden candidate. Keep it dry in summer after flowering and should be sharply-drained in winter. Potted bulb.