Gladiolus byzantinus or hardy gladiola is a species of gladiola related to the large-flowered, hybrid gladiolas commonly grown in the garden but are hardy to Zone 5.
Hardy gladiolas have narrower leaves than hybrid gladiolas.
G. byzantinus has bright dark fuschia colored flowers which are smaller than the flowers of hybrid gladiolas, but make great, long-lasting cut flowers. Overall the plants are not quite as showy as the larger-flowered hybrid types, but they add an element of class and dignity to the garden. Plant them in full sun with well drained soil. Another great perennial to try in your garden is Gaura lindheimeri . Siskiyou Pink' is a very nice cultivar with pink flowers, red stems and petioles, and 'Swirling Butterflies' has bright white flowers.