

Gladiolus Fidelio - Sword Lily
Gladiolus Fidelio - Sword Lily
Gladiolus x grandiflorus Fidelio
Large-Flowered Gladiolus, Sword Lily
Hello. The bulbs produce beautiful gladioli but they are purple!!!! and should have been red. Another disappointment for the colour in this order. What a shame!
Odile, 12/07/2024
Why not try an alternative variety in stock?
View all →This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty
More information
We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
From 7,90 € for pickup delivery and 6,90 € for home delivery
Express home delivery from 8,90 €.
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Description
The Gladiolus 'Fidelio' is an old hybrid gladiolus variety registered in 1959, still widely grown for cut flowers. With its numerous large flowers of intense raspberry pink, it remains one of the best in this colour category, intermediate between pink and purple. Its large floral spikes are perfect in floral arrangements, and they radiate in the harsh light of July, dominating all other bedding plants. 'Fidelio', a bit theatrical, pays tribute to Beethoven's joyful eponymous opera.
Originating from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, belonging to the family Iridaceae, the most colourful gladiolus species come from South Africa. Cultivated gladiolus are large-flowered hybrids, divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus, and Nanus (butterflies). 'Fidelio' belongs to the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs), broad sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a clump of about 1m (3ft) tall, depending on the growing conditions. Flowering occurs in summer, from July to September depending on the planting date. Solid floral spikes emerge from the soil, far surpassing the foliage. They bear at their tip an inflorescence in spike form, with funnel-shaped flowers 10 cm (4in) in diameter, well distributed around the stem. There are 18 to 20 flowers, slightly pleated and fringed, in a snowy white color.
Gladioli and their long, colourful stems are reminiscent of the 70s and slightly formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, in gardens, their silhouette appreciates the presence of plants with lush foliage to enhance their abundant yet romantically wild flowering. Plant 'Blue Isle' corms alongside sage, tobacco, bee balm, and forget-me-nots, for example. They are commonly found in cottage gardens, where they accompany vegetables all the way to the kitchen table. To make bouquets, cut the flower stems when the first floret begins to open. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring until the end of June to bring flowers into the house and garden all summer.
The 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 jewelry or on carpets and fabrics made by the Semitic people before the Christian era.
We deliver them in large size 14+ bulbs, guaranteeing the best flowering.
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Gladiolus Fidelio - Sword Lily in pictures


Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Gladiolus
x grandiflorus
Fidelio
Iridaceae
Large-Flowered Gladiolus, Sword Lily
Cultivar or hybrid
Other Gladioli
Planting and care
Gladioli hybrids thrive in rich, fertile, well-drained, sandy soils. Plant 'Fidelio' in full sun. Space the bulbs 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) apart and cover them with 10cm (4in) of soil. Avoid using manure to fertilise the soil as it promotes bulb rot. Gladioli are susceptible to frost, so they should be dug up when they have finished flowering or immediately after the first frost. Cut off the leaves and let them dry in a well-ventilated area for three weeks. Separate the old bulbs, store the new bulbs and bulblets over winter in a cool place protected from frost. The bulblets will flower in two years. It is best to not plant gladiolus bulbs in the same spot for several consecutive years. An annual rotation will yield better results. In mild climates, corms can be planted in September-October and left in the ground over winter without damage.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).

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