Gladiolus x grandiflorus Jenny - Sword Lily

The Gladiolus 'Jenny', a variety of gladiolus known as 'Glamini', has shorter floral stems adorned with numerous modest-sized flowers. Its summer flowering in bright orange is quite early for a gladiolus and does not go unnoticed in the garden, in a pot, or in a vase.

Originally from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, gladioli belong to the Iridaceae family, with the most colourful varieties coming from South Africa. Cultivated gladioli are hybrids classified into four main horticultural groups based on flower size and habit: the Grandiflorus group, with large spectacular flowers often used in bouquets; the Primulinus group, with slightly smaller and more elongated flowers; the Nanus group, or "butterfly gladioli," compact and perfect for borders; and the Glamini group comprising dwarf varieties for pots, featuring early flowering and good growth without staking.

The gladiolus 'Jenny' is part of the Glamini group. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with corms (globose bulbs), broad sword-shaped leaves arranged fanwise, forming a clump approximately 60 cm tall when in flower, depending on growing conditions. The flowering starts 2 to 3 weeks before the Grandiflorus. The leaves are topped by a spike inflorescence with funnel-shaped flowers unilaterally arranged, mostly on one side of the floral stem. They are light and bright orange, spotted with red in the throat, and have a small purple heart. The vegetation dries in autumn as the "bulb" goes into dormancy. In most regions, gladiolus bulbs need to be dug up in autumn. They are unearthed, cleaned, and left to dry in a dark, dry, frost-free, well-ventilated place (like a garage or cellar) until the following spring. In regions with very mild winters, they can remain in the ground all year round.

The gladioli, with their slightly stiff long stems, evoke floral arrangements from the 1970s. Essential in bouquets, they benefit in the garden from being paired with plants with light foliage and flowers that balance their blooming. For a harmonious effect, plant the Glamini gladiolus 'Jenny' in groups among catmints, chamomiles, low ornamental grasses, and other gauras. They are also classics in cottage gardens, often accompanying vegetables in the kitchen garden. For bouquets, cut the stems when the first flower begins to open. Plant bulbs every fifteen days, from early spring to late June, to enjoy flowers all summer.