gladiolus

The name gladiolus can refer to any plant in the genus Gladiolus, which is in the iris family. They are known for their sword-shaped leaves and brightly colored, funnel-shaped flowers.

Due to the shape of its leaves, the gladiolus is sometimes called the sword lily. A gladiolus can also be called a gladiola. Gladiolus plants are sometimes informally called glads for short. The plural of gladiolus can be gladiolus, gladioli, or gladioluses.

There are more than 300 species of gladiolus and their flowers come in many different colors. They are commonly used as ornamental flowers by gardeners and florists.

The gladiolus is the one of the August birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone).

The word gladiolus has another meaning in the context of anatomy, in which it refers to the middle and largest segment of the sternum (the breastbone).

Example: We used four different kinds of gladiolus to make the wedding bouquet.

The first records of the word gladiolus in English come from the mid-1500s. It ultimately comes from the Latin gladi(us), meaning “sword.” The word gladiator is based on the same root.

Many varieties of gladiolus are native to South Africa, while some other cultivated species are from the Mediterranean. Some species bloom in the springtime, while others flourish in the summer months.

What are some other forms related to gladiolus?

• gladioluses (plural)
• gladioli (plural)

What are some synonyms for gladiolus?

• gladiola
• sword lily
• glad (informal shortening)

What are some words that share a root or word element with gladiolus? 

• gladiator

What are some words that often get used in discussing gladiolus?

• flower
• plant
• iris family
• bouquet
• florist
• garden
• August

The plural of gladiolus can be gladioluses, gladioli, or just gladiolus. People sometimes call them glads for short. They are popular in bouquets, gardens, and as gifts.

my friends are the flowers in my garden. kayla, she’s the magnolia. blooming first, always after the rain, leading us strong and steady. peach is the gladiolus, who spears up in spring and reveals its beautiful petals to the world, always true to herself and no one else.

— mallika (@asmolcatto) April 1, 2021

I made Rob go get me a bouquet of gladiolus, because my grandmother would have wanted me to have these today. If we all live through whatever wave this is, remind me that I’d like to plant some glads in my back yard for next summer pic.twitter.com/NIZkURaJDW

— Mel Ⓥ (@cloth_mother) August 14, 2020

Day 23, #ArtAdventCalendar . Here is another oldie but goodie from 2009. I grew gladiolus in my garden way back when, put them in a vase in my kitchen as the sun was starting to set. One of my favourite flowers, and so interesting to paint! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GOwFJXDXC2

— Patricia Harcourt (@PHarcourtArt) December 23, 2020

True or False?

The gladiolus is part of the iris family.