This August our florists Bouquet of the Month, includes the birth ‘flower of the month’, the gladioli. Made famous of course by the hilarious Dame Edna Everage, with her famous catchphrase “Hello Possums” and her ‘gladdies’, these stunning flowers really add drama and fabulous colour to a bouquet or arrangement.
In terms of flower symbolism the gladioli, or ‘sword lily,’ represents remembrance, calm, integrity, and infatuation. In ancient Rome, Gladioli were a symbol of gladiators in reference to their swords and the flower was better known as "xiphium" from the Greek word for the sword: "xiphos".
The Gladiolus is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the iris family. There are 260 species of gladioli, 250 of which originate from the sub-Saharan Africa, 10 from Eurasia. Gladioli were brought to Europe in the 17th century and using only 7 species of gladioli, gardeners created many new varieties that are cultivated around the world today.
Gladiolus produces trumpet-shaped flowers arranged in the form of one-sided spike on top of the flowering stem. Flowers can range from white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, mauve or green coloured (except blue) and are often covered with stripes and blotches of various colours. Certain varieties of gladioli have wavy, frilled or ruffled petals.
Gladioli bloom during July and August and their large (and occasionally fragrant) flowers attract bees, sunbirds, moths, flies and wasps, which are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Gladiolus is an official birth flower for August.
If you fancy making someones day with our Bouquet of the Month, click HERE.