Flowers: Bloom in shades of pink, yellow, purple, white, and red from the bottom to the top of a 3-foot spike.
Foliage: Rigid, sword-like green leaves.
Lifespan: Often treated as annuals in cooler climates (Zones 3-6) but are perennial in warmer zones (7-10).
Usage: Excellent in borders and as cut flowers for bouquets. 
Planting and Cultivation
Timing: Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Location: Full sun is essential for best blooming (6-8 hours).
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil is preferred to prevent corm rot.
Planting depth: 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointed end up.
Succession Planting: Plant new corms every 1-2 weeks for a continuous summer-long bloom. 
Care Instructions
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially when flower spikes are forming.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting, midseason, and again after blooming.
Staking: Provide support, such as stakes or cages, to prevent tall spikes from falling over, especially in windy areas.
Mulch: A 2-4 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Deadheading: Remove faded blooms to promote further development of the remaining flowers. 
Overwintering and Maintenance
Hardy Areas (Zones 7-10): Leave in the ground; cut foliage back to 2 inches after it turns brown in the fall.
Cold Areas (Zones 3-6): Dig up corms after the first light frost, dry them for 2-3 weeks in a warm/dry area, remove the old corm, and store in a cool (35-45°F), dark, well-ventilated spot for the winter.
Pests/Diseases: Watch for thrips, spider mites, and aphids. 
Common Varieties
Large-flowered: Traditional tall spikes (3-4 ft).
Miniature/Dwarf: Ideal for smaller spaces or containers. 
For best results, keep the soil weed-free and avoid overcrowding by dividing clumps every few years.