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Gladiolus

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameGladiolus

DescriptionSpectacular cormous perennial featuring tall, dramatic spikes of large, funnel-shaped flowers that open sequentially from bottom to top, creating long-lasting displays. Blooms come in virtually every color and combination, often with ruffled, fringed, or contrasting throats. Named for sword-shaped leaves, gladiolus has been cultivated since Roman times and remains one of the world's most popular cut flowers. Symbolizes strength, integrity, and remembrance, making it traditional for funerals and memorials.

FamilyIridaceae

GenusGladiolus

TribeIxieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ P3+3 A3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 (perianth, no distinction between sepals and petals), 3 stamens, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features

Name 'Gladiolus' from Latin 'gladius' (sword) for sword-shaped leaves. Romans called it 'sword lily.' 'Glad' common nickname. Associated with gladiators who wore gladiolus corms as amulets. August birth flower. Symbolizes strength, moral integrity, infatuation, and remembrance. About 300 species, mostly South African
Flowers 3-5 inches (7.5-12 cm) across, funnel-shaped with 6 tepals, arranged in tall one-sided spikes. Blooms open sequentially from bottom up over 7-14 days. Colors include white, cream, yellow, orange, salmon, pink, red, lavender, purple, green, brown, and striking bicolors. Petals often ruffled, fringed, or with contrasting throats
Cormous perennial (corm, not true bulb). Blooms summer (June-September depending on planting time). Flowers last 7-10 days on plant, 7-14 days as cut flower. Spikes grow 2-6 feet tall with 12-20+ buds. Plant dies back after blooming; corms multiply. Tender in cold climates—lift and store
Grows 2-6 feet (60-180 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 1-2 feet. Spikes 12-18 inches long. Corm lifespan 3-5+ years. Propagated from cormels (baby corms), division, or seed (3-4 years to bloom). Plant corms 4-6 inches deep in spring for summer bloom
Native to South Africa (Cape region), Mediterranean, tropical Africa. Most garden varieties from South African species. Found in grasslands, savannas, and fynbos. Now cultivated worldwide. Over 10,000 named cultivars developed through hybridization
Requires full sun (6-8 hours). Needs well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly during growth and bloom. Stake tall varieties to prevent toppling. Deadhead spent blooms. In cold climates (zones 7 and below), lift corms after frost, cure, and store indoors. Zones 8-11 can overwinter outdoors
Premier cut flower—lasts 7-14 days in vase. Cut when first 2-3 blooms open. Excellent for formal gardens, borders, and cutting gardens. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant. Traditional funeral and memorial flower. Used in floral competitions. Symbolizes strength and moral character. Easy to grow for dramatic summer color

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificGladiolus

English (Alternate)Sword Lily, Corn Lily

Hindiग्लेडियोलस (Gladiolus), तलवार लिली (Talwar Lily)

Tamilக்ளாடியோலஸ் (Klaadiyoolas), கத்தி மலர் (kaththi malar)

Teluguగ్లాడియోలస్ (glāḍiyoḷas)

Malayalamഗ്ലാഡിയോലസ് (Gladiolus), കത്തിപ്പൂവ് (kathippoovu)

Kannadaಗ್ಲಾಡಿಯೋಲಸ್ (gladiolus), ಬಾವುಟ (bavuta hu), ಕ್ಷಿಪ್ರ ಪುಷ್ಪ (kshipra pushpa)

Sanskritसिंही (Simhi), तर्जनी पुष्पम् (Tarjani Pushpam).

Bengaliগ্লাডিওলাস (Gladiolus)

Frenchglaïeul

Russianгладиолус (gladiolus)

Spanishgladiolo, estoque

GermanGladiole

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.