The gladiolus is also known as the sword lily since its name is derived from the Latin word for sword, gladius. We often call them “glads.”
There are more than 250 species of gladiolus. Gladioli are mainly grown to use as cut flowers rather than for landscape effect. They are used when preparing various bouquets of flowers and are recognized as the favorite flower to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary!
There are two main types of gladioli: large-flowered types and small-flowered types. Both have showy flowers that may have frilled, ruffled, semi-ruffled, or plain petals. The smaller types may be called miniatures. These beauties come in a variety of colors: cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, lavender, green, and white. Almost all colors and shades are available. Check with your nearest nursery or home center for the colors you would like to grow.
The gladiolus “bulb” is a modified stem structure called a corm. Choose healthy corms with no discoloration or soft spots when you are ready to plant. Gladiolus will bloom in June and July. They can be planted from spring through early summer (mid-April to July) for continuous blooms. May planting is ideal for these fabulous florals. These gorgeous flowers may also be planted through the end of June for late summer/fall blooms. This will ensure continuous flowers until the frost. These bulbs require full sun up to 6 hours and regular watering. The soil must be well-drained, and since they grow tall, some may need to be staked.
As they reach 12 inches, stake them or hill soil around the stems to prevent them from falling over. Early bloomers like Gladiolus Nova Lux are ideal for this planting time. Since gladiolus bulbs are tender bulbs, planting should be done after spring’s last frost. Begin planting your gladiolus bulbs in mid-spring and continue to plant every two weeks until mid-July to enjoy stunning flowers throughout the summer months. Don’t forget to remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Proper support and mulching also help maintain healthy, continuous growth.
In South Mississippi, glads thrive when planted from April through May, with June blooming often achieved by planting earlier in the spring. Cut spikes for arrangements when the bottom two to three florets show color. To do so, insert a sharp knife above the second to fourth leaf and make a slant cutting upward on the stem. Immerse in clean water immediately to avoid wilting.
Gladioli are timeless and can be used for any occasion. Their lines and symmetry are the focal point of any arrangement, but gladioli are also spectacular on their own. Some varieties to try for your own garden:
- Byzantine Gladiolus:
An exceptionally hardy, early blooming heirloom with magenta-purple flowers, ideal for returning year after year - Gladiolus Dalenii:
A tough, hardy species with orange-red hooded flowers - Ben Venuto:
Creamy peach pink - Costa:
Ruffled blue purple - Dream’s End:
Light orange with yellow center, up to three feet tall - Fun Time:
Yellow edged with red - Black Star:
Deep purple red - Green Time:
Unique lime green - Prins Claus:
White with pink splashes - Priscilla:
Off-white with yellow center and pink edge - Candyman:
Deep pink - Desoto:
Pale silver-lavender with grape-purple eye
I hope you are having a great beginning to summer. Don’t forget to slow down and sip your iced sweet tea. Happy Gardening!
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently serving as President of the Biloxi Garden Club. Reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc.edu.
