Gladiolus papilio

Strangely seductive in late summer and autumn. Above narrow, grey-green blade-shaped leaves stand tall stems carrying downcast heads. The slender buds and backs of petals are bruise-shades of green, cream and slate-purple. Inside creamy hearts shelter blue anthers while the lower lip petal is feathered and marked with an eye in purple and greenish-yellow, like the wing of a butterfly. It increases freely. Needs warm well-drained soil.