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Gladiolus grandiflorus Bossa Nova - Sword Lily

Gladiolus x grandiflorus Bossa Nova
Large-Flowered Gladiolus, Sword Lily

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A splendid gladiolus, whose large flowers with undulating petals display an unusual colouring in rose-brown, enhanced by a small white throat. Whether in a vase or in the garden, these densely packed flower spikes provide a captivating spectacle in summer.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
1.10 m
Spread at maturity
20 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

Gladiolus 'Bossa Nova' is a variety of hybrid gladioli with large flowers that renews the genre with its unusual yet captivating colouration. It develops tall flower spikes that hold large blooms in a soft pinkish-brown with mauve reflections and white maculae. They are tightly packed together. Surround it with blue, pink, or mauve flowers, grasses, or fennel for a dazzling display. 

 

The genus Gladiolus belongs to the Iridaceae family. Gladioli originate from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The most colourful gladiolus species come from South Africa. Cultivated gladioli are hybrids with large flowers, divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (with large flowers), Primulinus (early), and Nanus (butterflies). 'Bossa Nova' is part of the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs) and wide sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape. It forms a clump approximately 1.1 to 1.2m (4ft) tall, depending on growing conditions. The leaves are topped by a spike-like inflorescence, with funnel-shaped flowers that are 12cm (5in) wide. They are arranged unilaterally, almost on the same side of the sturdy floral stem. They are composed of wide petals with pleated petals. A white throat occupies the base of the lower central petal.

Gladioli and their colourful flower stalks are a symbol of the 1970s and somewhat formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, their silhouette in gardens needs the presence of plants with lush foliage that will enhance their flowers. Plant them in groups in beds with salvias, small grasses, linarias, monardas, wallflowers, and forget-me-nots to create large colourful bouquets. They are regulars in cottage gardens. For bouquets, cut the flower stalks when the first floret starts to open. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring until the end of June to have flowers in the house and garden all summer long.

Gladiolus gets its name from the shape of its sword-like leaves, derived from the Latin word gladius.

 

 

 

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.10 m
Spread at maturity 20 cm
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour brown/bronze
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 12 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Gladiolus

Species

x grandiflorus

Cultivar

Bossa Nova

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Large-Flowered Gladiolus, Sword Lily

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference170991

Planting and care

Hybrid gladioli thrive in rich, fertile, well-drained, sandy soils. Plant them in full sun. Space the corms 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) apart, covered with 10cm (4in) of soil. Avoid using manure to fertilise the soil as it promotes bulb rot. Gladioli are susceptible to frost, so they should be dug up when they have withered or immediately after the first frost. Cut the leaves and let them dry in a well-ventilated area for three weeks. Remove the old corms, store the new corms throughout winter in a cool place that is protected from frost. The cormlets will flower in two years. It is advisable not to plant gladiolus corms in the same spot for several years in a row. An annual rotation will yield better results. In mild climates, corms can be planted in September-October and left in the ground over winter without damage.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 35 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-drained.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Needs to be stored

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