1 / 2Key characteristics
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 6 to 12 inches
- Flower color
- Deep purple
- Foliage color
- Green, sword-like
- Bloom time
- Mid to late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; may require staking
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds and butterflies
Perennials
Gladiolus 'Purple Prince'
Purple Prince Sword Lily
Gladiolus 'Purple Prince' is a graceful flowering plant known for its tall, elegant spikes adorned with large, deep purple blooms. Flowering in mid to late summer, the vibrant, regal purple petals form tightly packed clusters that open gradually from the bottom up, creating a long-lasting, dramatic display in the garden. The blooms are ideal for cut flower arrangements due to their bold color and vertical structure.
Works well in
- Borders
- Sun Gardens
- Pollinator Gardens
- Hummingbird Gardens
- Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More perennials
Hemerocallis 'Purple de Oro'
Purple de Oro Daylily
Blooms rich purple with a yellow throat
Full sun to partial shade
Liatris spicata
Dense Blazing Star
Blooms purple to pink flowers arranged in a tall, spiky form
Full sun
Cortaderia selloana
Pampas Grass
Blooms large, silvery-white plumes held high above the foliage on tall stalks
Full sun
Helleborus × hybridus 'New York Night'
New York Night Lenten Rose
Blooms deep purple-black to nearly black (sometimes charcoal-purple) single flowers
Partial shade to full shade