Green Star Gladiolus Gladiolus 'Green Star' (L)
ABOUT
Gladiolus 'Green Star' is a striking plant known for its showy, vibrant blooms. The flowers are a vivid lime-green, which is a color rarely seen in the gladiolus family. They are arranged in a classic sword-like spike, which gives the gladiolus its name from the Latin word for "sword." Each flower spike bears multiple trumpet-shaped blossoms that open in succession from the bottom up. These green blossoms are often accented by a delicate white throat, adding contrast to the individual flowers. The leaves are long, slender, and sword-shaped, complementing the tall flower spikes with their linear form. They are a bright green in color, which provides a lush backdrop for the dramatic flower spires. The overall effect of the Gladiolus 'Green Star' is a striking vertical element with a refreshing palette that stands out in any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Green Star Gladiolus, Sword Lily
Common names
Gladiolus 'Green Star'
ToxicityTo humans
Gladiolus 'Green Star', commonly known as Gladiolus, is not generally regarded as highly toxic to humans. However, it is important to note that it can cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals upon contact with its flowers or bulbs. Ingesting parts of the Gladiolus plant, particularly the corms (bulb-like stem bases), can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is not commonly associated with severe poisoning cases in humans, but it is still advisable to keep Gladiolus away from children and to not ingest any parts of the plant.
To pets
Gladiolus, the common name for Gladiolus 'Green Star', is mildly poisonous to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, it could cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. While it is unlikely to cause severe toxicity, ingesting large quantities of the plant, in particular, the corms, could potentially lead to more serious health concerns. It is best to keep pets away from Gladiolus to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure their safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Green
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Adds visual appeal: The Gladiolus 'Green Star' is known for its striking green blooms, which can add a unique visual interest to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Attracts pollinators: Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to grow: This variety of Gladiolus is relatively easy to cultivate, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Cut flower use: The stems of Gladiolus 'Green Star' are sturdy and long-lasting, making them excellent for use in cut flower arrangements.
- Seasonal color: It blooms primarily in the summer, providing seasonal color when many other plants may not be in their prime.
- Versatile planting: Can be planted in flower beds, borders, or containers, offering versatility in garden design and space utilization.
- Creates height: This tall plant can create vertical interest in garden design, acting as a backdrop for other lower-growing plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: The unique green color of Gladiolus 'Green Star' petals can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower art, providing a distinct hue that is not commonly found in other flowers.
- Photography Prop: Its striking appearance and unusual color can serve as a compelling subject for macro and still life photography, giving photographers the opportunity to capture its intricate details and vibrant green shades.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly consumed, the petals of Gladiolus 'Green Star' can be used as an edible garnish to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, provided it has been grown free of harmful pesticides.
- Dye Source: The petals of the Gladiolus 'Green Star' could potentially be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or handmade papers, although this is not a widespread practice.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in botanical studies and classes to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the cultivation of bulb flowers.
- Marker in Plant Breeding: Due to its distinct color, Gladiolus 'Green Star' can be used by plant breeders as a marker to track the inheritance of certain traits in crossbreeding experiments.
- Event Decor: Its tall spikes and striking green flowers make it a popular choice for event decor, particularly in themes that require natural or earth-toned accents.
- Symbolism: In the language of flowers, gladioli generally symbolize strength and integrity. 'Green Star' could be used in bouquets to convey this message in a unique and eye-catching way.
- Costume Design: The bright and unusual green flowers can be incorporated into costumes or fashion designs, especially for spring-themed outfits or for dramatic stage costumes.
- Literary Inspiration: The distinctiveness of the Gladiolus 'Green Star' can serve as an inspiration for authors and poets, symbolizing unique beauty and resilience in literature and poetry.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Gladiolus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Gladiolus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength and Integrity: The name Gladiolus is derived from the Latin word "gladius," meaning sword, reflecting the plant's sword-shaped leaves. It often symbolizes strength of character, sincerity, and moral integrity.
- Infatuation: Giving someone a Gladiolus can convey infatuation or a strong admiration, suggesting that the giver is pierced by the recipient's charms much like a sword.
- Remembrance: The Gladiolus can be symbolic of remembrance and memory, making it a choice flower for commemorating someone's life and legacy.
- Respect and Honor: Due to its connection to gladiators and strength, the Gladiolus often represents respect and honor, and can be given to show recognition of someone's hard work and achievements.
- Love at First Sight: In the Victorian language of flowers, the Gladiolus was also associated with love at first sight, capturing that immediate, impulsive affection one might feel for another.
WaterSword lilies, including the Gladiolus 'Green Star', should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering which can lead to bulb rot. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease. For potted sword lilies, water until you see excess water running from the drainage holes, indicating the soil is thoroughly moistened.
LightSword lilies thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Position them in a spot where they will receive plenty of light without being shaded by taller plants or structures. They can tolerate partial shade but flowering may be compromised. The ideal location is in an open area that is not obstructed from the sun's rays for most of the day.
TemperatureSword lilies prefer temperatures within the range of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage flowering, maintaining temperatures within this range is ideal. They are not tolerant of frost, so in areas with cold winters they need to be dug up and stored inside or protected with mulch.
PruningPrune sword lilies by removing spent flower spikes just above the leaves to encourage the remaining buds to open and to maintain a neat appearance. Prune damaged or yellowing leaves at the base. The best time for pruning sword lilies is after they have finished flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Regular pruning also helps prevent diseases by promoting good air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSword Lily 'Green Star' thrives in a well-draining soil mix consisting of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite for drainage, with an added amount of organic matter like compost. The ideal pH range for the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSword Lilies do not require frequent repotting; they are typically annuals grown from corms which are planted anew each spring. After flowering, corms are lifted, dried, and stored for the next season.
Humidity & MistingSword Lily 'Green Star' is tolerant of average outdoor humidity levels but does not have specific indoor humidity requirements. Typical ambient outdoor conditions are generally satisfactory for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Sword Lily in a sunny spot with a stake for support.
Outdoor
Plant Sword Lily corms in full sun after frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Green Star' Gladiolus begins its life as a corm, a bulb-like underground storage organ, which is typically dormant through the winter. In the spring as temperatures rise, the corm sprouts and forms a sturdy spike with narrow, sword-shaped leaves and begins to develop flower buds. Throughout the summer months, the flowering stalk elongates and the trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in succession from the bottom up in shades of green and cream. After flowering, the plant focuses on photosynthesis and the replenishment of the corm for the next season. As autumn approaches, the foliage yellows and dries as the plant goes into dormancy. Over winter, the corm rests until favorable conditions return, when it can begin the cycle anew with the growth of a new shoot.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Gladiolus 'Green Star', commonly known simply as gladiolus, is commonly propagated through the division of its corms. The best time for this is after the flowering has finished and the foliage has died back, which is typically in late summer or early fall. Once the corms are dug up, they can be separated, and the offsets, which are the small corms attached to the base of the parent corm, can be detached. These offsets can be stored in a cool, dry place over the winter and then planted about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed. This ensures that the new plants have sufficient time to establish themselves during the growing season.
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