Gladiolus primulinus Adrienne - Sword Lily

The Gladiolus 'Adrienne' is a very pretty variety of bicoloured gladiolus with compact and robust stems, particularly suited for pot cultivation, whose small white and fuchsia pink flowers do not go unnoticed. Infinitely graceful, they bloom in summer on plants that are more resistant to wind and bad weather. With its vibrant colour, this gladiolus combines perfectly with small dark pink, bright pink, pastel pink or white flowers, both in flowerbeds and bouquets.

Originating from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, belonging to the Iridaceae family, the most colourful gladiolus species come from South Africa. Cultivated gladiolus are hybrids with large flowers, and they are divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus, and Nanus (butterflies). 'Adrienne' belongs to the Primulinus group. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with corms (globose bulbs), with wide, sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a tuft that is about 60-65 cm (24-26in) tall, depending on the growing conditions. The leaves are topped by a spike-like inflorescence, with modest-sized funnel-shaped flowers arranged on a very sturdy floral stem. They are extensively marked with a very bright pink throat, on a background of creamy white to pure white. The centre of the flower is magenta red.

Gladiolus with their long, often somewhat ostentatious, colourful stems are a symbol of the 70s and slightly formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, in gardens, their silhouette needs the presence of plants with either opulent or light foliage, which will enhance their somewhat dense flowering. Plant them in groups in beds with salvias, small grasses, linear plants, monardas, wallflowers, and forget-me-nots to create large colourful bouquets. They are regulars in kitchen gardens, where they accompany vegetables all the way to the vegetable patch. For bouquet arrangements, cut the floral stems 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.

Gladiolus with their long, colourful stems are a symbol of the 70s and slightly formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, in gardens, their silhouette needs the presence of plants with opulent foliage that will enhance their dense, yet wildly romantic, flowering. Plant the 'Adrienne' gladiolus in small groups in beds with grasses, forget-me-nots, and perennial flax, for example. Play with white for elegance and add columbines, for example. Gladiolus are regulars in kitchen gardens, where they accompany vegetables all the way to the dining room. For bouquet arrangements, cut the floral stems 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.

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 Semites before the Christian era.