Gladiolus grandiflorus Bossa Nova - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Bossa Nova' is a variety of hybrid gladioli with large flowers that renews the genre with its unusual yet captivating colouration. It develops tall flower spikes that hold large blooms in a soft pinkish-brown with mauve reflections and white maculae. They are tightly packed together. Surround it with blue, pink, or mauve flowers, 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). 'Bossa Nova' 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 approximately 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 12cm (5in) wide. They are arranged unilaterally, almost on the same side of the sturdy floral stem. They are composed of wide petals with pleated petals. A white throat occupies the base of the lower central petal.

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.