Charming Beauty Gladiolus is a miniature, extra-hardy form of this venerable cottage garden perennial. Not quite magenta and not quite pink, the charming bi-colored flowers of this diminutive variety make this a perfect addition to the front of the border or in cut-flower bouquets.

I’m not sure Gladiolus is meant for our garden, but I thought I’d give it a shot! I tucked a few bulbs in a couple of different spots to see how they perform. If they survive the rough cycle of wet winter and bone-dry summer in a not quite-full-sun site, then I may purchase more.