Gladiolus Charming Henry - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Charming Henry' is the latest addition to the wonderful 'Charm' hybrid series. These gladioli are small but floriferous and early-flowering, with delicate flowers and more cold-resistant than the usual large hybrids. This one closely resembles 'Charming Lady', but its flowers are slightly more purple and display a large white area near the throat. It blooms from June and has a long flowering period, with blooms appearing for several weeks on secondary flower spikes. This variety is simply charming in large perennial beds, and pairs well with old-fashioned roses for a guaranteed romantic atmosphere.

Cultivated gladioli are hybrids belonging to the Iridaceae family. They are divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus (early-flowering), and Nanus (butterflies). 'Charming Henry' belongs to the "tubergenii" group, which is part of Nanus. These are complex, small hybrids with a springtime flowering habit. 'Charming Henry', registered in 2017 by MG van Winsen and Zn (Netherlands), is a perennial herbaceous plant. It stands out due to its modest size, as well as its cold resistance (down to -12°C (10.4°F) with protective mulch), which allows it to overwinter in the ground in many regions. The leaves are wide, sword-shaped and arranged in a fan shaped tuft approximately 30 cm (12in) tall. The leaves are topped by one or several slender spikes, 60-65 cm (24-26in) tall, with well-opened flowers measuring 9-10 cm (4in) in diameter, and spaced apart. The flowers are particularly delightful, composed of 6 tepals in a pale mauve pink colour with a more intense lilac central zone and white spots in the throat. The storage organ is a corm, which is a swollen stem with scales.

While gladioli and their long colourful spikes are often associated with the 1970s and somewhat formal floral arrangements, "tubergenii" gladioli have a more natural appearance and blend beautifully with other garden plants. They are just as easy to grow as most tulips in moderately cold climates and create stunning splashes of colour in beds and borders. For a romantic atmosphere, plant 'Charming Henry' alongside old-fashioned roses, lady's mantle, pink hardy geraniums, and add some grasses to your bed, such as Stipa tenuifolia. Gladioli are often found in cottage gardens, where they accompany vegetables. For bouquets, cut the flower spikes when the first floret begins to open. Plant them at two-week intervals from early spring until late June to have flowers in the house and garden all summer long.

Gladiolus gets its name from the shape of its sword-like leaves, derived from the Latin word gladius. Its wild forms were often represented in jewellery or on carpets and fabrics made by the Semites before the Christian era.