GLADIOLUS, GLADIOLI

Gladiolus was named for the shape of its leaves, and stems from the Latin word gladius, meaning "sword". Gladiolus was also called "xiphium," from the Greek word xiphos, also meaning sword. This flower is said to have represented the Roman gladiators.

Despite the long stems and sword like leaves, the flowers are very soft and come in a variety of white and pastels, pinks, oranges, peach, yellow, red and purple. Dame Edna Everage hurls "gladdies" into the audience at the end of every performance, so they can't be that painful.

Gladioi are a summer flowers and bloom between May and October. The tall flower originates from South Africa, but they are used extensively throughout Mediterranean countries in festivals and saints' days.

As a florists tip remove faded flowers to encourage others to open. Snipping off the top two or three green buds straightens the stem and helps flowers open below. Gladioli like a lot of water, and will suffer seriously if not given enough water.

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