30 Popular Types Of Gladiolus Pictorial Guide

Gladiolus, also known as the sword lily, is a stunning flowering plant that is renowned for its colorful and majestic appearance. This popular garden plant belongs to the Iris family (Iridaceae) and is native to sub-Saharan Africa, but is now cultivated all over the world.

The gladiolus is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows from corms, which are a type of bulb. The plants grow to a height of about three to four feet and bear long, slender, sword-like leaves that are about an inch wide. The leaves are arranged in a fan-like manner and provide an attractive backdrop for the stunning flowers.

The flowers of the gladiolus are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence that can be up to four feet long. Each stem can bear up to 25 flowers, each about three to five inches in diameter. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, orange, and purple, often with intricate patterns and markings.

One of the most appealing aspects of the gladiolus is its versatility. It is an ideal plant for adding height and color to a flower bed or border, and its long-lasting blooms make it a popular choice for cut flowers. The gladiolus is also a great plant for containers and can be grown in pots on a balcony or patio.

Growing gladiolus is relatively easy. They prefer well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure. The corms should be planted in the spring, about four to six inches deep and six to eight inches apart. The plants should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause the corms to rot. Fertilization is recommended every two to three weeks during the growing season.

Gladiolus plants are generally hardy and disease-resistant, but they can be affected by pests such as thrips, mites, and aphids. These can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

The gladiolus has a rich history and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It was first cultivated by the Romans, who used it for decorative purposes and as a medicinal herb. The name “gladiolus” comes from the Latin word “gladius,” which means sword, and refers to the shape of the leaves.

In addition to its aesthetic and historical appeal, the gladiolus has also been associated with a number of symbolic meanings. In the language of flowers, the gladiolus represents strength of character, faithfulness, and honor. It is also the birth flower for the month of August and is traditionally given as a gift to celebrate 40th wedding anniversaries.

In conclusion, the gladiolus is a majestic and versatile plant that can add color, height, and interest to any garden. Whether grown in a flower bed or in a container, its stunning blooms are sure to make a statement. With its rich history and symbolic meanings, the gladiolus is a truly unique and special plant that is sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

Here are the 30 Popular Types Of Gladiolus Pictorial Guide:

Gladiolus Hybridus

Gladiolus Hybridus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family, Iridaceae. It is a hybrid of different Gladiolus species, resulting in a wide range of colors and patterns in the flowers, which grow on tall spikes above sword-shaped leaves. They are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens and as cut flowers.

Gladiolus Cunonius

Gladiolus Cunonius is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to southern Africa and is known for its showy spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. The plant typically grows to a height of 60–100 cm and blooms in late spring to early summer. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used for cutting flowers in floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Caeruleus

Gladiolus Caeruleus a type of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is a perennial herb that produces tall spikes of blue-violet flowers with white centers in the summer. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Aureus

Gladiolus Aureus is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is an herbaceous perennial that produces spikes of yellow flowers with distinctive red markings on the lower petals. This species is native to the Cape Province of South Africa and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower for floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Watsonius

Gladiolus Watsonius is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to South Africa. It produces tall spikes of vibrant, pink to purple flowers with white markings in the center, blooming in late spring to early summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure, and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Venustus

Gladiolus Venustus is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to South Africa and produces tall spikes of pink, orange, or yellow flowers with distinctive markings on the lower petals. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Undulatus

Gladiolus Undulatus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Gladiolus genus. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 80 centimeters in height and produces sword-shaped leaves and showy, funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers of this species are usually pink, purple, or white with distinctive undulated edges on the petals, hence its name “Undulatus”. Gladiolus Undulatus is native to southern Africa and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers.

Gladiolus Tristis

Gladiolus Tristis is a species of flowering plant in the iris family, Iridaceae, that is native to southern Africa. It is a perennial herb that produces tall spikes of yellow-green, lightly fragrant flowers in the late spring and summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and it is commonly grown as an ornamental in gardens and as a cut flower.

Gladiolus Papilio

Gladiolus Papilio, also known as the “Butterfly Gladiolus,” is a striking flowering plant species that belongs to the Iridaceae family. Its distinctive, colorful flowers resemble butterflies in flight and can be found in shades of yellow, orange, and red with intricate patterns and markings. Native to South Africa, Gladiolus Papilio blooms in late summer and early fall and is commonly grown in gardens and as cut flowers for bouquets.

Gladiolus Oppositiflorus

Gladiolus Oppositiflorus is a species of flowering plant in the iris family, Iridaceae. It is native to southern Africa and produces tall spikes of pink to mauve flowers with white markings. The leaves are sword-shaped and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Murielae

Gladiolus Murielae, also known as Abyssinian Glad or Fragrant Gladiolus, is a species of flowering plant in the iris family. It is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea and is known for its tall spikes of white, star-shaped flowers that are heavily scented. The plant blooms in the late summer and early fall and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is popular for cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus Liliaceus

Gladiolus Liliaceus is a species of flowering plant in the iris family, Iridaceae. Commonly known as the broad-leaved gladiolus, it is native to southern Africa and produces tall spikes of showy pink to reddish-purple flowers. The plant grows from a corm and has broad, sword-shaped leaves. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers, which bloom in the summer months.

Gladiolus Kotschyanus

Gladiolus Kotschyanus is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its tall spikes of pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant has long, sword-shaped leaves and grows from corms that are planted in the fall for spring and summer flowering. It is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Imbricatus

Gladiolus Imbricatus is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to southern Africa. It is a bulbous perennial that produces tall spikes of pink, orange or red flowers in summer. The flowers are arranged in a dense, cylindrical shape along the stem and have six petals, with the upper three forming a hood over the lower three. The plant grows to a height of up to one meter and prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus Illyricus

Gladiolus Illyricus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is native to the Balkans and is known for its tall spikes of pink to violet flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is commonly found in rocky habitats and can grow up to 60 cm tall. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is appreciated for its attractive blooms and ease of cultivation.

Gladiolus Hirsutus

Gladiolus Hirsutus is a flowering plant species belonging to the Iridaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that produces tall spikes of pink or purple flowers with distinctive markings. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.

Gladiolus Gracilis

Gladiolus Gracilis is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to South Africa. It is a slender-stemmed perennial that can grow up to 60cm tall and produces spikes of delicate pink to lilac flowers with distinctive white markings. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer and is commonly used in gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Gandavensis

Gladiolus Gandavensis is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is commonly known as the sword lily due to its long, slender leaves that resemble swords. This species is native to South Africa and produces large, showy flowers in a range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It is a popular ornamental plant used in gardens, cut flower arrangements, and floral displays. Gladiolus Gandavensis is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types and climates.

Gladiolus Ecklonii

Gladiolus Ecklonii, commonly known as the Ecklon’s Gladiolus, is a species of flowering plant native to South Africa. It belongs to the family Iridaceae and produces tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, orange, and red. This plant is popular among gardeners and is often grown as a cut flower for decorative purposes.

Gladiolus Debilis

Gladiolus Debilis is a species of flowering plant in the iris family, Iridaceae, native to South Africa. It produces spikes of delicate, white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in the late summer. The plant grows from corms and typically reaches a height of 30-60 cm. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus Dalenii

Gladiolus Dalenii is a species of flowering plants native to South Africa. It is a perennial herb with tall spikes of funnel-shaped, bright red to orange flowers. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and blooms in late summer to early fall. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as cut flowers for floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Colvillei

Gladiolus Colvillei is a perennial herb plant that belongs to the iris family. It typically grows up to 50cm in height and produces strikingly beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. This species is native to the Himalayan region, where it thrives in rocky areas and alpine meadows. It is a popular ornamental plant that is often cultivated for its showy flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. The Gladiolus Colvillei is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Gladiolus Caryophyllaceus

Gladiolus Caryophyllaceus is a species of flowering plant in the Iridaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and produces showy spikes of pink to purple flowers with yellow throats. The plant typically grows to about 60 centimeters tall and blooms in the late summer to early autumn. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower for floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Carmineus

Gladiolus Carmineus is a species of flowering plant in the iris family. It is a perennial herb that produces long spikes of vibrant carmine-red flowers with white and purple markings, typically blooming in mid- to late summer. It is native to South Africa and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Gladiolus Carneus

Gladiolus Carneus is a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae, commonly known as the “Flesh-colored Sword Lily”. It is native to South Africa and produces tall spikes of pinkish-lavender flowers with a delicate fragrance in the summer. The plant has sword-shaped leaves and can grow up to 4 feet tall, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Cardinalis

Gladiolus Cardinalis is a striking species of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is native to South Africa and produces stunning spikes of deep red flowers with white throats that bloom in late summer to early fall. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has narrow, sword-shaped leaves. It is a popular ornamental plant and is often grown in gardens or used in floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Byzantinus

Gladiolus Byzantinus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its striking magenta-colored flowers that bloom on long spikes in late spring and early summer. The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to thrive. It is a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Atroviolaceus

Gladiolus Atroviolaceus is a species of flowering plant in the iris family, Iridaceae, native to southern Africa. It is known for its tall spikes of deep purple flowers with a white throat, which bloom in late spring to early summer. Full sun is preferable to partial shade for this plant, as is well-drained soil. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus Angustus

Gladiolus Angustus is a species of perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to the southern regions of Africa. It produces tall spikes of delicate, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, blooming in late spring and summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun and is commonly used in gardens and floral arrangements.

Gladiolus Alatus

Gladiolus Alatus is a plant species that belongs to the Gladiolus genus and the Iridaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and is characterized by its tall stem, long leaves, and showy spikes of bright orange to red flowers. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and rocky areas, and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and flower arrangements.

How To Grow And Care For Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a popular summer-blooming flower that produces tall spikes of vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for gladiolus:

• Planting: Gladiolus bulbs should be planted in the spring after the last frost. Choose a well-draining location with full sun exposure. Place the bulbs 6 to 8 inches apart and 4-6 inches deep.

• Watering: Water the gladiolus bulbs regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid getting water on the foliage or flowers, as this can lead to disease.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

• Staking: Gladiolus plants can grow quite tall, so it’s important to stake them to prevent them from toppling over in windy conditions. Use bamboo stakes or other supports and tie the stems gently to the stake.

• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Snip off the entire stem at the base of the plant when all the flowers have faded.

• Digging up bulbs: After the first frost in the fall, dig up the gladiolus bulbs and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter. They can be replanted in the spring.

With proper care, gladiolus can provide beautiful and colorful blooms throughout the summer season.

How To Propagate Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a beautiful flowering plant that can be propagated by several methods. Here are the steps to propagate gladiolus:

• Bulb Division: Gladiolus bulbs multiply over time and form small bulblets that can be removed and planted to create new plants. Dig up the bulbs in the fall, after the foliage has died back, and gently pull apart the bulblets from the parent bulb. Plant the bulblets in a well-draining soil mix with their tops just below the soil surface, and water thoroughly.

• Seed Propagation: Gladiolus seeds can be sown in the spring or fall. Soak the seeds in water overnight, and then plant them in a well-draining soil mix with their top just below the soil surface. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate in a couple of weeks.

• Corms: Corms are underground storage organs that store food for the plant. They can be separated from the parent plant and replanted to create new plants. Dig up the corms in the fall, after the foliage has died back, and gently pull apart the corms from the parent plant. Plant the corms in a well-draining soil mix with their tops just below the soil surface, and water thoroughly.

• Tissue Culture: This method involves taking small tissue samples from the parent plant and growing them in a laboratory. This method requires specialized equipment and expertise and is typically used by professional growers.

No matter which method you choose, make sure to plant gladiolus in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Water the plants regularly, and fertilize them every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Gladiolus

Q: How do I plant gladiolus bulbs?

A: Gladiolus bulbs should be planted in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun. Dig a hole about 4-6 inches deep and place the bulb in it with the pointed end facing up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Plant bulbs about 6–8 inches apart.

Q: How often should I water my gladiolus?

A: Gladiolus should be watered deeply once a week. However, the frequency of watering may vary depending on the climate and soil type. It is crucial to make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

Q: When do gladiolus bloom?

A:  Gladiolus bloom in the summer, typically from late June to early September, depending on the variety. The flowers usually last for several weeks.

Q: How do I care for gladiolus after they bloom?

A:  After the gladiolus flowers have bloomed, allow the foliage to die back naturally. This will help the plant store energy for the following year’s growth. Once the leaves have turned yellow and withered, they can be cut off at the base. The bulbs can be left in the ground or dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.

Q: How do I prevent gladiolus from falling over?

A: To prevent gladiolus from falling over, it is important to provide support for the tall flower spikes. This can be done by staking the plants with bamboo poles or other supports, tying the stems to the stakes with garden twine, or using specialized gladiolus support systems. It is also important to plant the bulbs in a location that is sheltered from strong winds.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Gladiolus

1. The gladiolus is also known as the sword lily because of its long, pointed leaves that resemble a sword.
2. The gladiolus is native to South Africa and was first brought to Europe in the 18th century.
3. Gladiolus flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, white, and purple.
4. The gladiolus is the official flower of August and represents strength of character, sincerity, and moral integrity.
5. In ancient Rome, gladiolus flowers were worn by gladiators before they entered the arena as a symbol of their bravery.
6. The gladiolus is a well-liked cut flower that is frequently used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
7. Gladiolus corms (the bulb-like structures that produce the flowers) can be planted in the spring and will bloom in the summer.
8. Gladiolus plants can grow up to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety.
9. Gladiolus flowers have a short vase life, typically lasting only about a week, but the plant can produce multiple blooms on each stem.
10. The Latin word “gladius,” which means “sword,” is the source of the English term “gladiolus,” which alludes to the plant’s sword-shaped leaves.