Gladiolus illyricus

A hardy species native to southern and western Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It flowers from about April onwards in a variety of habitats which are mostly well drained and sunny. Stems with up to 10 flowers (facing in two different directions) bear quite large, showy, flowers of carmine, magenta or bright pink, each bloom with three pale pink, or white, streaks on the three lower petals.

Easily grown in any rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Best planted deep and better not potted, lest the bulbs split up too much - which does not happen planted deeply, in the garden, and left alone.

Picture Carsten Niehaus at Wikipedia