Gladiolus Wig's Sensation - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Wig's Sensation' carries its large red flowers washed with orange like a torch, visible from far away in the garden. A quite rare colour among gladioli which is very useful in floral compositions with warm tones. Its stems are strong and covered with numerous buds. It is quite an old creation, dating back to 1966 and still unmatched. We provide them in a large size for the best flowers.

Cultivated gladioli, belonging to the iris family, are hybrids. They are divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large flowers), Primulinus (early) and Nanus (butterflies). 'Wig's Sensation' belongs to the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with broad, sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shaped clump of about 1m (3ft) high. The leaves are topped by a spike inflorescence with funnel-shaped flowers, about 8-10 cm (3-4in) wide, carried by sturdy stems. In this variety, they are bright red, with the centre of the petals being lighter and orange. The storage organ is a corm, which is a swollen stem with scales.

Gladioli and their long coloured stalks are reminiscent of the 70s and somewhat formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, in gardens their silhouette needs the presence of plants with lush foliage to highlight their flowering. Combine the flamboyant colours of Wig's Sensation Helen's flower and gaillardia. They form a contrasting and interesting combination with the blue of annual salvias, for example. Gladioli are regulars in cottage gardens, where they accompany vegetables. For bouquets, cut the flower stalks when the first floret begins 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 owes its name to the shape of its sword-like leaves, derived from the Latin gladius. Its wild forms were often represented in jewellery or on carpets and fabrics made by the Semitic people before the Christian era.