Gladiolus is the birth month flower of August, which symbolises integrity, strength and infatuation. It is a genus of about 260 species, native to Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean area. The flower derived its name from the Latin word ‘Gladiolus’ which means sword, given to its sword-shaped leaves. The flowers feature tall, dramatic stalks of brightly coloured funnel-shaped blossoms. Gladiolus is found in various colours like pink, red, white, yellow, orange, purple, and even green. The meaning of gladiolus varies by colour.
Red gladiolus stands for love, romance and passion
Pink gladiolus flowers are associated with gentle love and romance
Yellow gladiolus stands for joy & positive energy
Purple gladiolus stands for harm, grace & royalty
White gladiolus is associated with purity & innocence.
Read on to know some interesting facts about Gladiolus:
Gladioli have also been called xiphium, which originated from the Greek word, xiphios, which also means sword
Originally, there were only seven varieties of gladiolus in South Africa. From these seven species, more than 10,000 cultivated varieties exist today
Gladiolus are highly resistant to parasites; only assault of the puppies can endanger its breeding during raining days.
The flowering spike, which springs from the corm, a bulb-like structure, reaches 2-3 feet in height with several funnel-shaped flowers
Consumption of gladioli can induce symptoms of intoxication in animals and humans, Some varieties of gladioli can induce skin irritation
The British & Mediterranean gladiolus plants were also used for medicinal purposes
The underground stems were used as poultices & to ease extraction of thorns & splinters from the skin
The mixture made of dry ground corm and goat’s milk was used in the treatment of colic in babies
Gladiolus has been a source of inspiration for artists throughout history, including Claude Monet & Vincent Van Gogh
Gladiolus are associated with fortieth wedding anniversary
Gladiolus Rag is the name of a rag composed in 1907 by Scott Joplin
Gladiolus was the word Frank Neuhauser correctly spelt to win the first National Spelling Bee in 1925
The pointy leaves & sharp spike of flowers are rumoured to have the ability to pierce the heart of a loved one
Gladiolus are the traditional choice for memorial arrangements.
