The gladiolus plant’s pointed leaves earn its unique name, which comes from ‘gladius,’ the Latin word for sword. Indeed, the plant does have a connection with the Gladiators in Ancient Rome, who wore gladiolus tubers around their neck for protection and victory. And due to this Gladiator connection, the stunning flowers have now come to stand for strength, honor, and integrity.
Also called ‘sword lily, when someone presents another person with gladioli, it indicates how the receiver has pierced the sender’s heart. It stands for remembrance, faithfulness, and strength of a relationship.
It is the August birth flower, as well as a 40th Anniversary Flower.
With over 250 varieties, it comes in almost all the colors you can think of — from different shades of red, pink, to orange, and even green — basically everything except a true shade of blue. And here’s your guide to understanding when to go for which one:
It is one of those flowers that convey a powerful romantic message, promising loyalty, passion, and a love that will last.
When to gift these: Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, birthdays
Just like a yellow rose, a yellow gladiolus stands for friendship, compassion, and positive energy. You can give these to just about anyone to put a smile on their face , and bring a little ray of sunshine into their home.
When to gift these: Graduations, job promotions, housewarming, wish someone to get well soon
Symbolizing compassion, femininity, and the strong bond of motherly love, these pink flowers make a nice gift for moms. These are a simple yet elegant way of letting her know how she means the whole world to you.
When to gift these: Mother’s Day, Women’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, to wish good luck
These will be good for gifting to the ladies in your life you admire for their beauty, grace, and charm.
When to gift these: Job promotions, a good luck wish, housewarming
The color of purity, innocence, and spirituality, these white flowers are often used in decoration for traditional ceremonies like weddings and religious occasions.
When to gift these: Weddings, anniversaries, funerals
A quite unusual color for flowers in general, the green gladiolus stands for youth and rejuvenation – a new life, good fortune, and good health.
When to gift these: Birthdays, job promotions, anniversaries, to wish good luck
Whatever the occasion, a gladiolus bouquet will be perfect for conveying an undying admiration and love for the receiver. The gorgeous tall flower stalks look good in various flower arrangements, combined with almost any other flower.