Gladiolas

Genus: Gladiolus iridaceae; Common name: sword lily, glads

The Gladiolus produces large, dramatic spikes with elegant curling flowers all along the stem. Also known as the sword lily, the gladiolus, which is a native of South Africa, gets its name from the Latin term "gladius," or sword. The plants produce narrow, sword-shaped leaves, followed by a long spike of flowers.

Gladioli have been extensively hybridized and offer a wide range of color varieties from the different hybrids. Of the nearly 300 different species of gladioli, a great number of them are in fact, hybrids. The hybridized varieties and colors of gladioli are constantly going in and out of fashion. There are currently five varieties of sizes of flowers: giant, large, medium, small, and miniature. And there are countless color varieties including white, red, pink, yellow, green, orange, salmon, rose, lavender, violet, tan, and brown, in addition to bi-color and multi-color hybrids.

Gladiolus flower spikes are large, bold, and glamorous and make excellent cut flowers, with a vase life of up to ten days. These flowers are especially appropriate for decorative arrangements at special occasions such as weddings or funerals. They can also lend a regal and sophisticated touch to the dŽcor at conventions, hotel lobbies, chapels, or your home's entry way.

• Gladiolus italicus - image