Gladiolus grandiflorus Tricolore - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Tricolore' is certainly one of the most beautiful varieties of hybrid gladioli with red flowers. Its silky petals range from scarlet red to crimson red, surrounding a beautiful dark violet throat with white stamens. Its sturdy stems bear a mass of flowers in summer, on a tall flower spike. The flowers are truly elegant. With its powerful colour, this gladiolus stands on its own. To soften the intensity of its red flowers, surround it with white or green flowers, such as alchemilla or fennel.

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). 'Tricolore' 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 about 1.2m (4ft) high, sometimes a bit shorter depending on growing conditions. The leaves are topped by a spike-shaped inflorescence, with funnel-shaped flowers, 10cm (4in) wide. They are arranged unilaterally, almost on the same side of the sturdy flower stem. The flowers are composed of wide petals with barely pleated edges.

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.