Gladiolus: the sword-shaped flower

What it means to give gladiolus

The gladiolus is associated with strength, integrity and character. It is a flower with presence: its spikes can be more than a meter (3 ft) tall, and a bouquet of gladiolus fills a room. It is given to recognize someone’s effort and, in white, also to remember those who are gone.

Its name comes from the Latin gladiolus, “little sword”, after the shape of its leaves: the same root as gladiator. Gladiolus come in almost every color, from white to burgundy, through orange, pink, yellow, lime green and purple.

The flower of August

In the Anglo-Saxon tradition of birth month flowers, the gladiolus is the flower of August, the month when it blooms most in the northern hemisphere:

• Spain: July, August.
• Mexico and Central America: June, July, August.
• Argentina, Chile and Uruguay: January, February.

Most of its species are native to southern Africa, although wild pink and purple gladiolus also grow around the Mediterranean in spring.

Gladiolas in Mexico

In Mexico, where it is called gladiola, it is one of the most common flowers on church altars, in offerings and in funeral arrangements, thanks to its height and how long it lasts. In central Mexico it is grown in large quantities during the summer.

When to give gladiolus

• August birthdays: it is their birth flower.
• To congratulate an achievement: a promotion, a passed exam or the end of a tough project.
• Sympathy: in white, in wreaths and standing sprays.
• Events and decoration: in tall vases, churches and receptions.

How to care for a bouquet of gladiolus

1. Buy them with closed spikes, with only the bottom flowers showing color.
2. A tall, stable vase: they are heavy, so they need one with a good base.
3. Remove spent flowers at the bottom as the ones above open.
4. Snip off the tip of the spike with the smallest buds: it helps the rest open and keeps the gladiolus from bending.

What each color says

• White: purity and remembrance. The color for funerals and churches.
• Red: love and passion, in large, eye-catching arrangements.
• Pink: affection and admiration, for mothers and grandmothers.
• Yellow and orange: joy and energy, to celebrate an achievement.
• Purple: elegance, and an alternative for the purple flowers trend.

How to plant gladiolus

The gladiolus grows from a corm, similar to a bulb. It is planted in spring, once there is no more frost, about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) deep and in full sun. It blooms about three months later.

The growers’ trick: plant a few corms every two weeks, from April to June, to have gladiolus in bloom all summer long. Tall varieties need a stake so they don’t bend in the wind, and in areas with cold winters it is best to lift the corms in the fall and store them somewhere dry until the following spring.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to give gladiolus?

Strength, integrity and character. It is a flower given to recognize someone’s effort and, in white arrangements, also to remember a person.

Why is it called gladiolus?

It comes from the Latin gladiolus, “little sword”, after the shape of its leaves. That is why it is linked to Roman gladiators, who owed their name to the same sword, the gladius.

What is the birth flower of August?

In the Anglo-Saxon tradition of birth month flowers, the gladiolus is the flower of August, along with the poppy.

Gladiolus or gladiola?

Both are used. In Spain it is called gladiolo, and in Mexico and much of Central America, gladiola. In English, gladiolus, often shortened to “glads”.

How do I get every flower on the gladiolus to open?

Buy them with only the bottom flowers showing color, change the water often, remove the spent flowers at the bottom and snip off the tip with the top buds, which rarely open.