Gladiolus grandiflorus Priscilla - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Priscilla' is a magnificent hybrid gladiolus with large, delicately fringed and beautifully tricoloured flowers. The white flowers are edged with vibrant pink and shaded with yellow at the centre. Its sturdy and tall stems bear an abundance of blooms in summer. With its complex colouration, this gladiolus stands out on its own. To enhance its charm, surround it with white or pink flowers, such as tall phlox, for example.

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). 'Priscilla', registered in 1977, is part of the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (bulbous buds) and broad sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape. It forms a clump about 1m (3ft) tall, depending on growing conditions. Flowering occurs in summer, from July to September depending on the planting date. Solid floral stems emerge from the soil, surpassing the foliage. They bear a spike-shaped inflorescence with funnel-shaped flowers arranged unilaterally, almost on the same side of the stem. It develops 10 to 12 pleated white flowers that are almost fuchsia-pink on the edges with a yellow throat.

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, pick the flowers early in the morning when two or three buds have opened. Leave 5 to 6 leaves per stem to help the bulb to continue its development. Remove the first two buds at the top of the floral stem. 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. 

These are large size 14+ corms, which ensure the best flowering.