We have a bit of a thing for green flowers such as Gladiolus 'Kio'. Not only do they go with absolutely any colour scheme, but they add a fresh, zingy vibe unlike anything else in the garden. Reaching approximately 1.2m in height, Gladiolus 'Kio' is ideal for weaving throughout the back of a border, where its spikes of large, lime green blooms will delight throughout the summer months.  

This member of the iris family hails from warmer climes than ours so needs a little help to get through a UK winter. In mild, southern areas, or for those with very light, free-draining soil, this can be just a thick layer of mulch. Further north, or if you are on heavy, wet soil, your best bet is to lift and store the corms over winter, much as you would Dahlia tubers. Let the leaves of Gladiolus 'Kio' die back naturally, then lift and store dry in a shed or greenhouse until spring.