Among hardy plants of attractive appearance which one seldom sees in collections, is the Gladiolus communis. It flowers in June with the roses. It does not generally make such a strong growth as the tender kinds, but yet, in good soil, it pushes up to the height of two to three feet. The flowers are purple outside, with a lighter shading inside, and with a light cream stripe in the centre of the three lower petals. It is not common to see among tender kinds one of such a deep purple as is the color of this hardy one.