Chocolatey-lavender like blooms with white streaks on each petal. Prized for large bouquets, stately gladioli (yes, that's the accepted plural form, and much more graceful than the alternatives) offer an enormous color range, including the most delicate pastels, bold hues and almost unimaginable bicolors. Their sword-like foliage and tall, impressive flower spikes, make striking accents in the mixed flower border. For best garden effect, plant in groups of six or more of a single color, or grow dozens of them in a bed reserved for cutting. Imagine the luxury of having armloads of glads to display around the house! Gladiolus will grow in any good garden soil but do need full sun and good drainage. Space planting times at two week intervals from early spring to late June to ensure a continuation of mid and late summer blooms
