Gladiolus Fidelio - Sword Lily

The Gladiolus 'Fidelio' is an old hybrid gladiolus variety registered in 1959, still widely grown for cut flowers. With its numerous large flowers of intense raspberry pink, it remains one of the best in this colour category, intermediate between pink and purple. Its large floral spikes are perfect in floral arrangements, and they radiate in the harsh light of July, dominating all other bedding plants. 'Fidelio', a bit theatrical, pays tribute to Beethoven's joyful eponymous opera.

Originating from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, belonging to the family Iridaceae, the most colourful gladiolus species come from South Africa. Cultivated gladiolus are large-flowered hybrids, divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus, and Nanus (butterflies). 'Fidelio' belongs to the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs), broad sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a clump of about 1m (3ft) tall, depending on the growing conditions. Flowering occurs in summer, from July to September depending on the planting date. Solid floral spikes emerge from the soil, far surpassing the foliage. They bear at their tip an inflorescence in spike form, with funnel-shaped flowers 10 cm (4in) in diameter, well distributed around the stem. There are 18 to 20 flowers, slightly pleated and fringed, in a snowy white color.

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 'Blue Isle' 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.

We deliver them in large size 14+ bulbs, guaranteeing the best flowering.