HO-58
YARD AND GARDEN
GLADS FOR THE HOME GARDEN
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT • COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • PURDUE UNIVERSITY • WEST LAFAYETTE INDIANA 47907
The gladiolus gets its name from the Latin word "Gladius," meaning "sword." With its long, straight stalk and lily-like blossoms, the "sword plant" is certainly one of the most handsome garden flowers.
Probably no other ornamental plant has received so much attention from plant breeders, both professional and amateur. From the native species of South Africa, Asia and Europe have emerged, by breeding and selection, hundreds of different types. Today, the modern gladiolus ranges from 2-5 feet tall with blossoms usually borne in a double row on one side of the stem.
The gladiolus comes in a greater choice of colors and hues than any other cut flower. Colors range from near black, red, smoky, purple, deep violet, deep rose and scarlet, to delicate shades of pink, lavender, yellow, green, white and pastels. There are also novelty and mixed colors. Some varieties even have fragrance bred into them.
The blooming season for "glads" is anytime from June to mid-October. And the individual plants usually flower from 10 to 14 days. Therefore, by planting different varieties and by spacing the planting dates of your "glads," you may have varied and continuous color all summer and well into the fall after perennials have finished flowering.
Uses for "Glads"
"Glads" are an attractive addition to any home garden. They may be planted in irregular groups among other flowers, but they are usually more effective and easier to care for if they have their own exclusive area in the garden. "Glads" are rather difficult to dig if planted in a border with other plants.
The most popular use for "glads" is, of course, in flower arrangements for home decoration. They blend beautifully with other cut flowers that are in bloom at the same time. However, the secret to displaying "glads" properly lies in using the correct type of container. It should be short and flaring, allowing you to insert the stems at an angle. Because "glads" are stiff and rather formal, they are perhaps best displayed in groups of at least three or four.
Rev. 1976
Cooperative Extension Work in Agricuiture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette, Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.