Gladiolus primulinus Atom - Sword Lily

Gladiolus primulinus 'Atom' will surely change the perception of detractors of this plant, which is often considered stiff and inelegant. This modest-sized hybrid bears small, light flowers that are very long-lasting. The bright red blooms are embroidered with a fine white-silver border. They proudly display the colours of summer in sunny flower beds from June to September. Its elegant stems are both slender and strong, emerging from delicate foliage of a beautiful dark green.

The genus Gladiolus belongs to the Iridaceae family. Cultivated varieties are hybrids divided into 3 main groups: Grandiflorus (large flowers), Primulinus (early), and Nanus (butterflies). 'Atom' belongs to the Primulinus group, characterised by rather small and often maculate flowers, irregularly arranged on 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) tall stems, each bearing up to 20 florets. The upper petal of each flower has a curved helmet-like shape.

'Atom' was introduced to the market in 1946, but it is still popular due to its genuine elegance. It is an herbaceous perennial plant, with thin, sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a 60cm (24in) tall clump. The leaves are topped by a spike-shaped inflorescence with up to 7 buds. The flowers resemble some orchids or even cannas. They are carried by very slender stems. The scarlet red blooms display a white margin and iridescent reflections. The storage organ is a corm, which is a swollen stem covered with scales. Each corm will produce 2 or 3 flower stalks.

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 'Atom' in beds of grasses, forget-me-nots, and perennial flax, for example. Play with white for elegance and some silver foliage here and there. Gladioli 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 owes its name to the shape of its sword-shaped leaves, derived from the Latin word gladius. Its wild forms were often represented in jewellery or on carpets and fabrics.