Have you seen the beautiful, slick color advertisements of hardy gladiolas that do not have to be dug up in the fall, and wondered if it could really be true? Well you can't always believe everything you read, like tree tomatoes or vining strawberries, but this time they got it right! 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. The flower spikes are 15-20" long with the 1-3" long flowers arranged on one side of the stem only. G. byzantinus has bright dark fuschia colored flowers which are smaller than the flowers of hybrid gladiolas, but make great, long-lasting cut flowers. Some cultivars have "butterfly flowers" with striking throat markings or blotches. 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. And best of all, they do not have to be dug up in the fall! Plant them in full sun with well drained soil.

Another great perennial to try in your garden is Gaura lindheimeri. This perennial has 1-3" long, narrow, sword-like leaves on 24" stems. The flowers are produced on a spike, similar to a gladiola; on the species, the flowers open white and darken to rose. The flowers are small and delicate, giving an airy feeling to the garden. 'Siskiyou Pink' is a very nice cultivar with pink flowers, red stems and petioles, and 'Swirling Butterflies' has bright white flowers. If the flower stalks are removed as the flowers begin to fade, the plant will continue to bloom from July until frost.

Gaura requires full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates heat and humidity well, in fact it is said to be "tough as a boot, delicate as a butterfly.. ." Mature height of this perenial is 3-4' and it is hardy to Zone 5.