About Gladiolus communis L.
Gladiolus communis, commonly called the eastern gladiolus or common corn-flag, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Iridaceae. It is native to temperate northern Africa, western Asia, and southern Europe, ranging from the Mediterranean region to the Caucasus. This species has become widely naturalized in other frost-free locations, including coastal areas of the southwestern British Isles. It is a vigorous, corm-forming herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) tall. It produces linear leaves and bright pink flowers that bloom in spring. Two subspecies are currently recognized: Gladiolus communis subsp. communis and Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus (Mill.) A. P. Ham. When grown in cultivation, Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
