| Additional Notes: Gladiolus are highly
geotropic and need to be stored upright until used. The tips will curve away from the pull
of gravity. Fluoridated water can cause petal edge and leaf tip burn. Monitor water
supply carefully as Gladiolus are very heavy drinkers. Snapping off the top inch of
the stem will help promote water uptake. The shape of
the gladiolus betrays the source of the flower's name. Gladiolus comes from the Latin word
for a small sword. And fiery swords is indeed what these flowers resemble most, with their
bright colors and their erect buds.
This powerful expressiveness is undoubtedly the main reason
why gladioli have always been much used in flower arrangements in southern European
countries. In those hot southern countries, more so than in those colder ones further
north, flower arrangements are expected to be bold and dramatic. You may well have seen
giant wreaths in Italy or Greece adorned with a fan composed of gladioli. A bouquet of
tall vividly-colored gladioli can be impressive - or using the smaller, daintily-patterned
Nanus forms of the flower, it can be modest and subdued.
As for its colors, such a floral sculpture can easily be
adapted to different styles of interior design. Besides serene white gladioli there are
also soft pastel colors; of course cheerful shades of red,yellow and orange; and quite
unusual deep purple, hot pinks and deep reds. |
