Gladiolus White Prosperity - Sword Lily

The Gladiolus 'White Prosperity' is a magnificent hybrid gladiolus renowned for the beauty of its large flowers of a perfectly pure white. This variety is among the most cultivated for cut flower production and will bear numerous flowers symmetrically and harmoniously arranged on each floral stem. Majestic and dazzling, these large arrows are ideal for bouquets reserved for special occasions and in borders where they will blend with all the other colours of the garden. The flowers open from the bottom to the top of the spike for approximately two weeks.

Native to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East and belonging to the Iridaceae family, the most colourful species of gladiolus come from South Africa. Cultivated gladioli are hybrids with large flowers divided into three main groups: Grandiflorus (large-flowered), Primulinus, and Nanus (butterflies). 'White Prosperity', registered in 1975, belongs to the Grandiflorus group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs) and broad sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan shape, forming a clump about 1.20 m (4ft) tall, depending on the growing conditions. Flowering occurs in summer, from July to September, depending on the planting date. Solid floral stems emerge from the ground, exceeding the foliage. At their tip, they bear a spike flower head with funnel-shaped flowers 10 cm (4in) in diameter distributed around the stem. There are 18 to 20 flowers, slightly pleated, fringed, and snow white.

Gladioli and their long colourful stems, often flashy, symbolise the 70s and somewhat formal floral arrangements. While they are irreplaceable in bouquets and gardens, their silhouette needs the presence of plants with opulent or light foliage, which will enhance their somewhat dense flowering. Plant them in groups in borders with salvias, small grasses, linear plants, baptisias, cloves, and forget-me-nots to create large, colourful bouquets. They are regulars in cottage gardens, accompanying vegetables even in the vegetable patch. For bouquet making, cut the floral stems when the first floret begins to open. Plant them at intervals of two weeks from early spring until the end of June to flower the house and garden all summer.

For your bouquets, pick early morning gladioli that have opened two or three flowers. Leave 5 to 6 leaves per stem to allow the bulb to continue its development. Remove the first two buds at the top of the floral stem. Plant them every ten days in March/April. This way, you will have flowers all summer long.

 
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 jewellery, carpets, and fabrics made by the Semitic people before the Christian era.

We deliver them in large sizes, 14+ bulbs, ensuring the best flowering.