A Year of Flowers: Gladiolus

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

With its sword-shaped leaves, long and narrow stalks, and vibrant piercing colors, we’re celebrating August’s special flower: the gladiolus! Yup, it’s that time of the month again when we’re dishing up all the details about the month’s birth flower (similar to a birth stone). And in the case you’ve missed any posts or are just now catching up, you can pop on over to the other installments of our “A Year of Flowers” series with Poppy + Mint Floral Company here!

The gladiolus or the plural form, gladioli, are breathtaking summer beauties and the highlight of August. And with a nickname like Glads, they are bound to make us happy! They stand tall and upright in a rainbow of cheerful colors. These bright colors come from the African species of gladioli, which were first brought to England in the mid-1700s from South Africa by Dutch and English ships in the India trade.

Let’s stroll through The Drifter Hotel in the photos by Sarah Becker Photography and get a little happy with the Glads, shall we? :)

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

To complement the brilliant hues of the flowers, Remy rocked this midi set with a colorful, modern patchwork design from Free People.

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Today, there are over 200 cultivars and Glad enthusiasts that perfect all the hybrid colors + bright pops that you see here. With their height (2-6 feet) and contours of foliage, it’s no surprise that the flowers are often referred to as “sword lilies.” Did you know that gladiola is the feminine form of gladiolus, which in Latin means “little sword”?

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Fun Fact: A bouquet of gladioli in Victorian times might send the message that the sender has been struck with love at first sight. Today, these flowers generally represents strength of character, sincerity, and generosity.

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Glads truly add pizazz to any bouquet or garden.

Gladiolus Flower of the Month

Such a fun flower to add to a summer bouquet, right? Or we could see these pretty picks standing tall to frame a ceremony space — perhaps with pampas grass + other foliage to round it out!

Stay tuned for the September installment of “A Year of Flowers” next month!

photography: Sarah Becker Photography // venue name: The Drifter Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA // event design: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // planning: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // florals: Poppy + Mint Floral Company // wedding dress: Free People // hair stylist: Courtney of Bleu a Blow-dry Bar // makeup artist: Pilar of Bleu a Blow-dry Bar // models: Remy Robert

Explore: