gladiolen

Gladiolen, also known as gladioli in English, are flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae). The genus Gladiolus contains roughly 250 species, but most garden forms are hybrids derived from Gladiolus × gandavensis. The name comes from Latin gladius, sword, a reference to the sword‑like leaves.

Gladiolen are perennial corms. They produce tall, erect stems with two or more leaves that resemble a blade. Along each flowering spike, funnel‑shaped blossoms open from the bottom upward, creating a colorful vertical display. Flowers occur in a wide range of colors, often with contrasting throats, and are frequently grown for cut flowers.

Native to sub‑Saharan Africa, gladiolen are cultivated worldwide. The most common garden and commercial forms are hybrids developed in Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are valued for their striking height, color range, and long vase life.

Cultivation: plant corms in well‑drained soil in full sun after the last frost. Space small to medium cultivars about 15–20 cm apart; tall varieties 30–45 cm. Plant 8–15 cm deep with the tip up. Water regularly and feed with balanced fertilizer during growth; stake tall spikes. In cold climates lift and dry‑store corms after dormancy; milder regions may overwinter in the ground.

Pests and diseases: gladiolen can be affected by botrytis blight, fusarium rot, thrips, and aphids. Good air circulation, proper watering, and sanitary corm handling reduce problems.

Uses: primarily grown as ornamental plants and cut flowers. They are popular in borders, beds, and bouquets, prized for their summer color and architectural verticality.