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Birth Flower of August: Gladiolus
If you were born in August, your birth flower is the gladiolus. It remains amongst an array of colors and are symbolic in itself. Let’s look at what makes the gladiolus so special.
What is a Gladiolus?
The plant, gladiolus, is a flowering plant that grows from bulbs. Its other name is the sword lily. That name derives from the Latin word gladius, meaning “sword,” which reflects how its leaves resemble a sword’s blade.
Gladioluses are available in red, pink, purple, yellow and white. They shoot high, with flowers that open on long stalks. The blooms can reach a height of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters)! Gardeners grow gladioluses and use them in flower arrangements due to their stunning, bright colors.
What Does the Gladiolus Mean?
Gladiolus: A symbol of strength, honesty and faithfulness. It is a symbol of a person’s resilience and strength through hardships. The gladiolus is said to represent strength of character, so if you’re born in August you can certainly identify it with your own determination and fortitude.
The gladiolus flower varies in meaning based on its color:
Red: Intensity, power, and passion. Red gladioluses pulse with enthusiasm and vitality.
Pink: Adoration, romance and thanks. Pink gladioluses are meek and mild.
Yellow: Joy, happiness and friendship. Yellow gladioluses are sunny and bright.
Purple: Dignity, pride, and respect. And what could be more elegant and royal than purple gladioluses?
White: Purity, innocence and new beginnings. White gladioluses are strikingly simple and pure.
Because each of these colors can stand for a quality or feeling, the gladiolus is personal and flexible when it comes to gifting!
Types of Gladiolus
Gladiolus comes in a variety of species and variations of color and size. Some popular types include:
Red Gladiolus: Symbolizing passion and love, it is known for its rich, hues.Deep red, the Red Gladiolus is a show-stopper flower. Representing passion, strength and love, this flower is commonly used to express admiration and respect. This is known for its tall and stately stem and its vibrant color tied directly to the playing of the heart, increasing its appeal when considering flowers for a bouquet or an arrangement in the home or an event in the town or other venue where people gathered.
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Pink Gladiolus: The Pink Gladiolus symbolizes love, admiration, and gratitude and is a soft, graceful flower. Honestly, though, that soft pink petals, though? It brings such a soft beauty in our backyard or in a bouquet. This often used in romantic bouquets or to show appreciation, so would be a great present to give loved ones for special occasions.
Purple Gladiolus: A royal hue, signifying dignity and respect.Representing dignity, pride, and respect, this flower is a pretty, graceful flower. The deep purple hue gives it a noble, polished look. Commonly associated with strength and honor, this is an excellent instrument to express admiration or commemorate achievements. It comes in handy for formal occasions or when you want to respect someone who deserves it.
White Gladiolus: An allusion to purity andsimplicity, innocence and the new beginning.White Gladiolus represents purity, innocence and new beginnings. This delicate and pure white flower added elegance to your garden or flower arrangement with the clean and simple white petals. The white gladiolus is often used in weddings or to symbolize a fresh start, making it a thoughtful selection for celebrating milestones, or simply to convey your sincere sentiments and goodwill. Its simple beauty gives it a classic look for special events.
There are even mixes available including these colors for an even prettier and more special flower.
How to Grow and Care for Gladioluses
Gladioluses are low-care, easy to grow plants. Here’s what you need to know:
Planting:
First, gladiolus bulbs are planted in the spring, when the final frost has passed. Pick a sunny location with well-drained soil. Gladioluses require no less than 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Space them out far enough—about 4 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart for flowers to materialize.
Watering:
Regularly water the gladiolus, but do not over-water them. The soil should be damp, not waterlogged.
Water them more frequently in dry spells. Gladioluses prefer damp soil, but if they get too much, the bulbs can rot.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize with a well rounded fertilizer once every 3-4 weeks. This enables the plants to grow robust and tall. Nutrients can also be added in the form of compost.
Pruning:
Once the flowers bloom, be sure to cut off the spent flowers to help the plant thrive. It allows the plant to concentrate on growing new flowers.
When using gladioluses in a bouquet, cut the flowers before the lowest buds are open. They will gradually open in the vase, so you get a longer show.
Storing Bulbs:
Once the flowers are gone, dig up the gladiolus bulbs. Keep them over the winter in a dry, cool location. And this will allow them to grow again next year.
Gladioluses in Culture and Traditions
For centuries, the gladiolus has been a much admired flower. The gladiolus, a flower associated with strength, from the latin “gladia” which means sword, was carried by the truest of warrior fighters, the gladiators of ancient Greece. The gladiolus is named for a sword and is symbolic of strength of character, as such, it is known as the flower of the Gladiators meaning it represents bravery and courage.
In contemporary times, gladioluses are commonly used in bouquets for events like birthdays, anniversaries, and marriages. They’re used to express admiration, respect or love. All right reservedThey are also used to cheer people on during successes, or during difficult times.
The gladiolus is also associated with the language of flowers (floriography), a method of sending messages with various flowers. Gladioluses, which signify strength, faithfulness, and admiration.
Make room for the gladiolia in your life as it is a strong, vibrant and significant bloom that indicates strength, love and loyalty. It is the ultimate symbol of courage and determination for people born in August. Whether packing clipper bouquets of the flowers for beaming wedding guests or planting gladioluses in your garden, these floral wonders remind us of the power of resilience and love.
