GRACING GARDENS FOR GENERATIONS, the fast-growing gladiolus is a member of the iris family, featuring multiple funnel-shaped blossoms clustered together alongside narrow, bladelike leaves. Named for gladius, the Latin word for “sword,” the genus is also known as flag flower and sword lily. Glads, as they’re often called, add drama to small spaces and are perfect for cut-flower arrangements. Most varieties are hardy in Zones 7 to 10, but some are rated hardy to Zone 5. They’re easy to plant, deer resistant and affordable, says David R. Clark, a certified nursery and landscape professional with the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association Inc., in Hamburg, New York.
“You can buy a bag of 45 unnamed corms from your local garden center or home construction store for $17 to $20,”…