August Gift Flower: Gladiolus
Yet another reason why I love this Japanese restaurant where I live. In addition to wonderful food, they keep gladiolus in vases by the check out. It seems people either love or hate these beautiful annual flowers from sub-Sahara Africa.
I used to associate these flowers with funeral arrangements until one of my brothers confessed he loved these flowers, too. He has planted several dozen in his flower bed, daylilies fronting the bed and hiding the bottom of the flower stems.
In the Victorian Era language of flowers, Gladiolus is considered the Flower of the Gladiators. It symbolizes character strength, sincerity, and generosity. It also symbolizes “love at first sight" so if a bouquet shows up on your desk full of gladiolus, a romance may be starting.
How to Care for Gladiolus
Gladiolus are sold as corms in bags mid-spring. They are planted after all danger of frost has passed, usually Mother's Day.
Once planted, their leaves reminiscent of Iris will grow, followed by flower stalks. Gladiolus don't always sit up on their own so they sometimes need to be tied to support, especially after a good rain storm.
After blooming has finished for the season, leave the foliage in place. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed. Leaves and stalks may be removed when they yellow.
f you live in an area where your glads aren't winter hardy and you want to save them for next spring, dig the corms after the first frost, cut the stems to 2", wash the soil off, dry for a few days and then store in a cool place in paper bags or cardboard boxes filled with peat moss.
Your gladiolus will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle in the spring.
There is now a more hardy gladiolus on the market, one that doesn't have to be dug up if winter temperatures don't get below -10F. Haven't tried those yet, have you?
Charlotte
