Stories behind the Gladiolus and the Iris

Flowers are often associated with interesting, symbolic or moving stories. Here are some stories about the Gladiolus and the Iris to acquaint you with these marvelous summer flowers.

Fighting for the gladiolus

The Gladiolus symbolizes strength, victory and pride, and it’s also associated with a great story from Roman times. Even today, the ancient Romans are famous for their many gladiator battles in which courageous gladiators fought for the right to be showered with gladioli – or died trying. Fortunately, we no longer have to fight for the gladioli. We can simply keep this story in mind while admiring them from an easy chair.

Care tips for the gladiolus

Follow these tips to enjoy your gladioli for as long as possible:

• Once purchased, place the gladioli in water as soon as you can.
• Use a clean vase, preferably of glass.
• Fill the vase with water.
• Trim one to two inches from the stems, cutting them at an angle.
• Make sure no leaves are below the surface of the water.
• Try to find a cool location to display your gladioli.
• Top up the water in the vase every day.
• If the water turns cloudy, change it and trim the stems at an angle again.

Did you know this about Gladioli?

Ceramic vases are less suitable for gladioli. This is because they have pores in which bacteria can be left behind. These bacteria obstruct the vascular bundles in the stems and keep them from absorbing enough water. When this happens, the buds will start to droop.

The Iris: myth and message

The Iris has a mysterious association with the rainbow. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Iris was a messenger between the gods and mortals. Her golden wings and winged feet carried the goddess on her frequent visits from heaven to earth. She always chose to descend along the rainbow with the wind blowing her on her way. It was thus that the symbolic meaning of the Iris came to be: ‘I have a message for you’. This makes irises perfect to give as a gift, but why not also treat yourself to these gorgeous flowers?

Care tips for the iris

– Use a clean vase and clean water.
– Be sure not to use too much water (2 inches is enough).
– Add a packet of floral preservative.
– Trim the stems at an angle.
– Place the irises where they will receive light.
– Be sure not to put your irises near ripening fruit since this make your flowers fade faster.

Did you know this about the iris?

The blue iris is the most familiar one. This is because few other flowers display such an intense blue color – and it’s this color that makes the blue iris so such a popular choice. Even so, irises are also available in other colors such as yellow, white, purple and combinations of these colors.