Gladiolus grandiflorus Sunglow - Sword Lily

Gladiolus 'Sunglow' is a large-flowered gladiolus that forms dense spikes of golden-yellow corollas bordered with orange, resplendent under the summer sun. Shorter than the large hybrid gladioli, it fits well in the foreground and middle ground of borders. Its stems have excellent vase life and are ideal for creating warm-coloured cut flower arrangements. This summer bulb is easy for all flower enthusiasts to grow, whether beginners or collectors.

Belonging to the Iridaceae family, Gladiolus 'Sunglow' is a horticultural hybrid descended from wild species native to southern Africa. It is technically a perennial bulb (corm), but is not very hardy: in regions subject to significant frost, the corms should be dug up in autumn to be stored dry and frost-free.
This 'Sunglow' cultivar belongs to the horticultural group of Grandiflorus / grandiflora gladioli, characterised by large, dense spikes with flowers 10 to 15 cm in diameter, borne on a one-sided stem. It is sometimes offered in collections of compact gladioli, such as the Gladdies range from some nurseries, but this is not an official designation.
The plant forms a narrow clump of sword-shaped, medium green, long and upright, about 2 to 3 cm wide leaves, with a prominent midrib, arising from a single corm. The upright flower stems bear a succession of 10-12 cm funnel-shaped, slightly wavy, bright yellow flowers tinged with orange on the edges and at the throat. Flowering spreads from July to September, or even a little later if planting is staggered. The flowers open progressively from the base to the top of the spike. The above-ground growth is deciduous: the foliage yellows and then dries at the end of the season, a sign that the corm is mature and ready for winter storage.

With its golden-yellow colouring enhanced with orange, Dwarf Gladiolus 'Sunglow' brightens up all summer scenes. Plant it in small clumps among yarrows 'Golden Plate' and 'Walter Funcke', which complement its warm palette. You can add fine ornamental grasses such as silky spike melic to offset the upright spikes. This yellow gladiolus pairs well with single dahlias like 'Happy Single Date' or with Crocosmia 'George Davison'. In a vase, combine a few stems of 'Sunglow' with Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer' and a few stems of Ammi or ornamental grasses to create a warm, flamboyant, and artistic cut flower arrangement!

The Gladiolus genus takes its name from the Latin gladius, meaning sword; in the Netherlands, gladioli are given to walkers who complete the "Four Days Marches of Nijmegen", extending their symbolism of strength and victory.