Gladiolus Black Surprise (Sword-Lily)

Incredibly showy, Gladiolus 'Black Surprise' (Sword-Lily) features large, velvety, darkest burgundy-red flowers. The dramatic blossoms are arranged closely and symmetrically on strong and erect spikes rising above pointed sword-like leaves. Each flower spike may count at least 12 buds. Since the flowers open from the bottom of the spike up, sword-lilies provide a long-lasting floral display, each flowering spike blooming for up to two weeks.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm). The bigger the corm, the more chance it will produce larger plants and more spectacular flowers.
• Best flowering occurs in full sun in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant adapts to a wide range of soils except clay. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
• Ideal for cutting, this sword-lilies deserve a prime spot in beds, borders and are well suited for containers.
• Sword-Lilies bloom for 2 weeks or so. To extend their colorful show, you may plant them every two weeks from the last frost date until early summer. It typically takes 10-12 weeks from planting to flowering.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.