Gladiolus grandiflorus Bimbo - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Bimbo' is a large-flowered gladioli whose curious flowers stand out with their somewhat indescribable colour in a warm and bright range. It is a deep orange-brown with coral or copper reflections that pairs perfectly with green flowers or foliage. Its tall flower stems hold tightly packed florets that bloom from bottom to top. Surround it with euphorbias, lady's mantles, grasses or fennel for a dazzling display.

The genus Gladiolus belongs to the Iridaceae family. Gladioli originate from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The most colourful gladiolus species come from South Africa. Cultivated gladioli are hybrids with large flowers, divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (with large flowers), Primulinus (early), and Nanus (butterflies). 'Bimbo' is part of the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs) and wide sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape. It forms a clump about 1.1 to 1.2m (4ft) tall, depending on growing conditions. The leaves are topped by a spike-like inflorescence, with funnel-shaped flowers that are 10cm (4in) wide, arranged unilaterally, almost on the same side of the sturdy flower stem. They are composed of wide and pleated petals on the edges. Their colour varies depending on the lighting. The petal edges are coloured dark burgundy, and they have a dark red blotch at the base.

Gladioli and their colourful flower stalks are a symbol of the 1970s and somewhat formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets, their silhouette in gardens needs the presence of plants with lush foliage that will enhance their flowers. Plant them in groups in beds with salvias, small grasses, linarias, monardas, wallflowers, and forget-me-nots to create large colourful bouquets. They are regulars in cottage gardens. For bouquets, cut the flower stalks when the first floret starts to open. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring until the end of 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.