Gladiolus Espresso - Sword Lily

The Gladiolus 'Espresso' is undoubtedly the variety of hybrid gladiolus with the darkest and richest red colour. Its tall stems bear numerous black and pointed buds that open into tightly packed large flowers. Their velvety texture enhances shades of burgundy and black reflections, and the heart of the flower reveals beautiful white stamens. This sumptuous variety is perfect alongside the acidic green of euphorbias or the 'Green Star' gladiolus. We deliver them in large sizes, 14+, for the best flowering.

Cultivated gladiolus, belonging to the iris family, are hybrids. They are divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large flowers), Primulinus (early blooming), and Nanus (butterflies). 'Espresso' is part of the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with wide, sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a clump that is 1.20 m (4ft) tall. The leaves are topped by a spike inflorescence, with funnel-shaped flowers, over 10 cm (4in) long, carried by sturdy stems. Here, they are a very dark and silky red color, with a very flared shape. The storage organ is a corm, which is a swollen stem covered with scales.'

Gladioli and their long, colourful stems are reminiscent of the 70s and slightly formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, in gardens, their silhouette appreciates the presence of plants with lush foliage to enhance their abundant yet romantically wild flowering. Plant 'Espresso' corms alongside sage, tobacco, bee balm, and forget-me-nots, for example. They are commonly found in cottage gardens, where they accompany vegetables all the way to the kitchen table. To make bouquets, cut the flower stems when the first floret begins to open. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring until the end of June to bring flowers into the house and garden all summer.

The gladiolus gets its name from the shape of its sword-like leaves, derived from the Latin word,  gladius. Its wild forms were often represented in jewelry or on carpets and fabrics made by the Semitic people before the Christian era.