Get set for a summer of surprises with Gladiolus 'Butterfly Mixed'. Plant these bulbs and look forward to the Pandora’s box of gorgeous colours which emerge! The best thing about mixes is that you get to enjoy a spectrum of shades which work together harmoniously, this makes it really easy to achieve satisfying results. Not only that, but watching each bloom burst open to reveal its colours and patterns is just so exciting. There are useful characteristics about butterfly gladioli in particular which are worth noting; Firstly, they are dwarf and quite stocky which means they’re strong, support themselves and work well in groups close to the front of a border. You can also grow them in containers. Secondly, despite being shorter in height, the flowers of Gladiolus 'Butterfly Mixed' are just as big and fabulous as taller types. Also, they have slightly ruffled petals which is glamorous, attractive and intriguing.

The upright stems of sword lilies like Gladiolus 'Butterfly Mixed' look great in any planting scheme, but especially in a traditional country or cottage-style garden. Their narrow habit makes them useful for slotting into narrow spaces between perennials to ensure your planting scheme is perfectly padded out for summer. It goes without saying, these butterfly gladioli make wonderful cut flowers and don’t require such a tall vase. Snip a mixed bunch to create an effortless boho bouquet! 

Butterfly gladioli get their name because of their frilled petals which makes the flowering spire of blooms look like a large company of these winged insects have gathered at one time. Real butterflies, along with other pollinators like bees, are attracted to gladioli, so this should make them feel right at home. It also gives the flower spire a soft look, definitely different to the more staid and stern look often associated with gladioli!

Developed from a cross between winter and summer hybrids, butterfly gladioli are hardier than some other varieties, and can be left in the ground in areas with milder winters, or dug out and stored in autumn in harsher climates. Shorter than the tall gladioli, butterfly glads also produce smaller blooms!