The Essential Guide To The Gladioli
Botanical Name: Gladiolus spp
Common Name: Gladioli
General Knowledge: The Gladiolus, often referred to by its plural form, gladioli, is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with some species from Eurasia, and is characterised by tall spikes and trumpet-shaped flowers. In Australia, gladioli are popular in cut flower arrangements and are favoured for their height and striking colour, which make them a dramatic backdrop in garden beds and floral designs. A fun fact about gladioli is that the name comes from the Latin word 'gladius', meaning sword, which is why this flower is sometimes known as the 'sword lily', reflecting its shape.
Colour Range: White, yellows, apricot, gold, orange, reds, burgundy, rust-red, pinks, crimson, purple-black, lilac-blue, purple/purple-black, lime-green/cream to green. It's important to note that the full spectrum of colours is not available all year round, and true blue is missing from its palette.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available year-round. However, while the popular white forms are consistently available throughout the year, the complete range of colours may vary seasonally.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Since gladioli are available year-round, they can be included in wedding and event floral arrangements throughout the year.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Available year-round. However, while the popular white forms are consistently available throughout the year, the complete range of colours may vary seasonally.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Since gladioli are available year-round, they can be included in wedding and event floral arrangements throughout the year.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Gladioli are grown commercially in Australia.
Buying Tips: When purchasing gladioli, choose stems that are still in the bud stage, where one to five of the lower buds display colour and are beginning to unfurl. It's also advisable to select stems with at least two remaining leaves. Look for stems that are straight and robust and avoid any that display orange rust spots on the leaves.
Design Tips and Advice: As line and focal flowers, gladioli are particularly favoured in arrangements requiring height or length. They are universally incorporated into large pedestal or vase arrangements and are popular in sympathy designs, such as casket sprays. Individual flowers can also be wired into wedding bouquets and accessories. Before the advent of modern greenhouse technologies, open gladiolus petals were skilfully used by seasoned florists to mimic roses during times when garden roses were dormant. This crafting technique is referred to as “Malmaison” or “Melia”.
Flower Maturity: When purchasing, choose gladioli in the bud stage with the lower buds beginning to show colour.
Expected Vase Life: Between 7 to 10 days.
Typical Stem Length: Reaching lengths of up to 120 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: Typically, 10 stems per bunch.
Floral Preservatives: A blend solution of citric acid (200 ppm) and sucrose 4% is recommended to use for prolonging the vase life of gladiolus cut flowers.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Present but low. Using STS can further enhance flower opening and prolong vase life.
Temperature Requirements: It's important to store gladioli at temperatures between 2–4 °C.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Gladioli stems are notably geotropic, meaning they tend to grow towards gravity. This trait necessitates transporting them in an upright position to prevent any curvature of the stem. They also show sensitivity to fluoride found in tap water; hence, it's advised to use tank or filtered water combined with added flower food.
Special Care: Some gladioli hybrids offer a light fragrance. The flower forms can vary, presenting orchid-like, tulip-like, ruffled, and fringed appearances.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store Gladioli between 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Utilise tank or filtered water enhanced with flower food. This is crucial as gladioli are sensitive to fluoride typically found in tap water.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Though gladioli have a low sensitivity to ethylene, employing STS can be beneficial in improving the flower's opening and extending its vase life.