Gladiolus (scientific name: iris ensata), also known as Japanese iris and flat bamboo lotus, belongs to the genus Gladiolus in the family Irisaceae. Native to East Asia, especially Japan and Northeast China, it is widely introduced around the world as an ornamental flower in gardens, parks and home gardens because of its large and colorful flowers, elegant flower shapes and long flowering periods.
The height of the gladiolus plant is generally between 60-150 cm, the leaves are long sword-shaped, the width is moderate, the texture is hard, arranged in two rows, the color is green, and it has good ornamentality. The flower leaf is extracted from the base, the inflorescence is a raceme, each flower leaf can open a plurality of flowers, the flower shape is unique, it is composed of three eversion tepals (called petals) and three upright inner tepals (called sepals), in which the middle sepal extends into a thin "sword", so it is called "gladiolus". The flower colors are rich and varied, including red, purple, blue, white, yellow, etc., as well as various transition colors and compound colors, and some varieties also have aroma.
Gladiolus species and introduction.
1.Common gladiolus: native species, the flower color is mainly purple, blue-purple, the flower type is relatively primitive, the flower leaves are erect, and the flowering period is concentrated in summer.
2.Double-petaled gladiolus: The number of petals increases, and the flower type is full, such as "Japanese double-petaled gladiolus", which has rich flower colors and higher ornamental value.
3.Dwarf gladiolus: The plant is dwarf, suitable for potted plants and flower bed planting, such as "dwarf gladiolus", the plant height is not more than 60 cm.
4.Gladiolus: The petals have distinct spots or stripes, such as "gladiolus", and the flower color contrasts with the leaf color.
5.Early-flowering or late-flowering gladiolus: Classification is based on the early or late flowering period, such as early spring-flowering varieties and late-summer-flowering varieties, giving the garden more seasonal options.
With its rich flower color, beautiful flower shape and excellent adaptability, gladiolus has become an indispensable part of garden landscape and home gardening. A wide variety of gladiolus not only meets people's needs for different colors and flower types, but also through continuous cross-breeding, new varieties emerge one after another, making this ancient and elegant flower still maintain its vigorous vitality and high ornamental value in today's horticultural world.