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Growing Gladioli
(Page 1 of 3)

This article was provided by Jennifer Moore
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Approximately 180 species of gladiolus are available to the gardener. Originating mainly from South Africa on rocky slopes, marshy areas and grasslands, they are also found growing in the Mediterranean, Asia, and central Europe. The name Gladiolus in latin means "small sword", which is referring to the shape of the leaves and flower spike. They were at one time referred to "sword lilies" or "corm lilies", as the plants are formed from round, flattened bulbs called "corms".

The flowers are triangular and funnel shaped with their six flower petals, or "tepals" as they are called. Each flower usually has one central upper petal, two side petals and three smaller bottom petals. Flowers are available with plain tepals (Dutch origin) and ruffled tepals (American origin). All flowers begin by opening at the base of the flower spike, and as they die, more open above, this happening slowly in an upward motion of each spike. Each flower spike produces flowers on only one side and has dark green leaves in a fan shape at the base of the plant. As many as 7 flowers can be open at one time on a single spike with 22 buds formed.

Colours are available in a wide range, including: pure white, ivory, yellow, peach, pink, orange, red, lavender and purple. Novelty colours available are lime green and a dark red seemingly black. The only colour not available is a true blue. They can be single coloured or bi-coloured with plain or ruffled petals.

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