The Gladiolus, often called the “Sword Lily,” is a stunning perennial celebrated for its dramatic height and vibrant colors. Growing from a corm, which is a bulb-like underground stem, this plant is part of the Iris family. Its name comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning “sword,” a fitting description for its tall, blade-like leaves and towering flower spikes.

These plants are prized for their spectacular, one-sided flower spikes, which can grow up to five feet tall. The funnel-shaped blooms open sequentially from the bottom up, providing a long-lasting display of color. Gladiolus flowers are available in a vast spectrum of hues, including white, pink, purple, red, yellow, and orange, making them a favorite for both garden beds and cut flower arrangements.

Gladiolus thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They require consistent moisture during the growing season. In colder climates, their corms are typically dug up in the fall and stored indoors to protect them from frost, then replanted in the spring. Their bold, vertical presence adds a striking architectural element to any garden.