Gladiolus Gladiolus 'Charming Lady' (Tub)
ABOUT
Gladiolus 'Charming Lady' presents a captivating display of blooms that are particularly recognized for their irresistible color palette. The flowers are tightly arranged along tall spikes, radiating elegance and contributing to a vertical visual interest in the garden. Individual blossoms exhibit a ruffled appearance, adorned with a mix of soft pink and coral hues which convey a gentle yet vibrant aura. Each petal is edged with a delicate cream or white border, creating a beautiful contrast that highlights the flower’s intricate contours. The foliage of 'Charming Lady' consists of sword-shaped leaves which are a bright and striking green, adding further to the plant's aesthetic as they neatly frame the floral spikes. The leaves are slender and upright, emerging from a corm—a type of underground storage organ common to gladioli—that lies hidden beneath the soil's surface during dormancy. While in bloom, Gladiolus 'Charming Lady' creates a spectacular sight with its vivid, funnel-shaped flowers that are arranged in a classic, bilateral symmetry. These blooms open successively from the bottom to the top of each spike, ensuring a prolonged period of visual delight as new flowers emerge while others fade. This orderly progression of blooming enhances the ornamental value of the plant, making it a favorite among gardeners who seek continuous color throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Gladiolus, Sword Lily, Glads
Common names
Gladiolus 'Charming Lady'
ToxicityTo humans
The Gladiolus plant, such as the variety 'Charming Lady,' is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can be mildly irritating if ingested. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if someone eats a significant amount of the plant. These symptoms are generally not severe, but consuming parts of the Gladiolus should be avoided.
To pets
Gladiolus plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Symptoms of Gladiolus poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea. It's particularly important to prevent pets from accessing these plants because they can cause these unpleasant and potentially harmful symptoms. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Gladiolus plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Spread
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Beautification: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its striking color and distinctive form.
- Cut Flowers: Ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements due to their long vase life and tall, elegant spikes of flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Easy to Grow: Considered easy for gardeners of all levels due to its hardy nature and minimal care requirements.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, flower beds, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the summer, providing vibrant color during a time when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Propagate Easily: Can be propagated through corms, allowing gardeners to expand their collection and share with others.
- Symbolizes Strength: Often associated with strength of character, moral integrity, and persistence.
- Variety of Colors: Available in an array of colors, allowing for personalized color schemes and themes in garden design.
- Showy Nature: The tall, showy flower spikes can act as a focal point or dramatic backdrop in garden settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Dye: The petals of the Gladiolus can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and artwork, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to deep mauves depending on the processing.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Gladiolus can be used as a bold, colorful garnish for salads and desserts, adding an elegant touch to dishes.
- Craft Material: Dried Gladiolus flowers and stalks can be incorporated into crafts such as wreaths, pressed flower arrangements, and scrapbooking.
- Perfumery: Gladiolus scents can occasionally be captured and used in the creation of perfumes and scented oils, providing a floral note.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried Gladiolus petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Garden Mulch: Decomposing Gladiolus plants can be used as mulch in gardens to enrich the soil and suppress weeds.
- Teaching Aid: Parts of the Gladiolus can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant anatomy because of their distinct features.
- Floral Watercolor Pigments: Juices and extracts from Gladiolus flowers can be used by artists to create watercolor paint with a natural origin.
- Ink Making: Similar to dyes, the Gladiolus petals can also be used to produce natural inks for calligraphy or art projects.
- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of Gladiolus makes them an ideal subject or background in floral photography to capture vibrant colors and textures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGladiolus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGladiolus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength of Character - The name "gladiolus" is derived from the Latin word "gladius," meaning sword, which reflects the plant's sword-shaped leaves. Thus, it symbolizes strength and integrity.
- Infatuation - Giving a gladiolus can often convey the message of being "struck by love," making it a representation of infatuation or strong admiration.
- Remembrance - Gladiolus is also known for its role in remembrance or as a symbol of memory, often used to convey the moral of never forgetting someone.
- Honor and Faithfulness - The gladiolus is believed to symbolize honor and faithfulness due to its tall and stately appearance, often chosen to represent the sincerity and earnestness of one's intentions.
- Victory - In the context of gladiators and battles, the gladiolus can also be a symbol of victory, especially over life's challenges or personal battles.
WaterGladiolus 'Charming Lady', commonly known as Gladiolus, should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering about once a week during active growth periods, but the frequency can vary based on temperature and humidity. Provide water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Each watering session should consist of enough water to saturate the soil deeply, encouraging the development of strong roots. For mature plants, this could mean using approximately 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the tub and the soil's ability to retain moisture.
LightGladiolus 'Charming Lady' flourishes best in full sunlight. The ideal spot for this Gladiolus is a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded for a significant part of the day, as inadequate light can lead to poor bloom development and weak stems.
TemperatureGladiolus 'Charming Lady' prefers temperate conditions and thrives in a range between 60°F to 80°F. It's important to protect the plant from temperatures below 35°F, as frost can severely damage or kill the Gladiolus. During the growing season, consistent temperatures within the ideal range will promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningGladiolus 'Charming Lady' should be deadheaded by removing spent blooms to encourage further flowering and to prevent the plant from using energy to produce seeds. Cut the flower stalks down to the base after flowering is complete to keep the garden tidy and redirect energy back into the bulb for the next season. Pruning is typically done post-flowering, in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGladiolus 'Charming Lady' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a good amount of organic matter like compost or peat moss. The ideal pH for Gladiolus, commonly known as glad or sword lily, is between 6.5 and 7.0.
RepottingGladiolus 'Charming Lady' does not require frequent repotting. The corms should be lifted and stored after the foliage has died back post-bloom and replanted the following spring.
Humidity & MistingGladiolus 'Charming Lady' tolerates average humidity levels but does not require special humidity conditions for growth. Typical outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for glads.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in pots with drainage holes, use loamy soil, provide bright indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant corms in well-draining soil with full sun exposure after frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Gladiolus 'Charming Lady', commonly known as Gladiolus or Sword Lily, begins its life cycle as a corm, a type of underground storage organ. After a period of dormancy, typically in the spring, the corm sprouts and produces sword-shaped leaves and a tall flower spike. As the plant grows, buds develop along the spike and eventually bloom into the characteristic funnel-shaped flowers, displaying a range of pink and rose hues. Following pollination, these flowers wither and the plant sets seed that can be collected for propagation, though most gardeners plant new corms. After flowering, the leaves start to yellow and the plant enters a period of senescence, where the corm absorbs nutrients from the dying foliage to prepare for the next growth cycle. Finally, the corm enters dormancy for the winter, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Gladiolus 'Charming Lady', commonly known as Gladiolus, is through the division of corms. The best time to propagate by dividing corms is in the autumn after the foliage has died back or in early spring before growth resumes. To propagate, carefully dig up the corms from the ground and brush off any soil. You'll notice that each large, mature corm may have produced several small cormlets attached to the bottom. Gently separate these cormlets from the mother corm. Before replanting, ensure that the corms are dry and free from disease. Corms should be stored in a cool, dry place over the winter and then replanted about 4 to 6 inches deep (10 to 15 centimeters) in well-draining soil once the threat of frost has passed.
