b'YEAR OF THE GladiolusOrigin: Africa and other arid countries around the MediterraneanFamily: IridaceaeScientific Name: GladiolusHistory: While you might see gladiolus blooms across the U.S. in gardens from California to Maine, gladiolus is actu-ally an exotic plant native to more arid regions in Africa and the Mediterranean. Plant breeders didnt begin working with gladiolus until the late 1800s but had great success once they started. Now, theyre a late-summer tradition and can be found in any county fair or farmers market.Typical Appearance: Has a stiffly upright form and narrow, blade-like leaves. They can vary in height and flower form. Colors: Gladiolus come in a range of rainbow colorsincluding white, yellow, pink, lavender, burgundy, purple and green. Basic Variety Types: Grandiflora hybrids, Dwarf Grandiflora hybrids, Gladiolus Nanus hybrids, Gladiolus communis var. byz-antiunus, Dalenii hybrids and Gladiolus callianthus. Popular Varieties: Costa LumiereFun Time PriscillaGreen Star VulcanoSymbolize: Heroism, strength, victory and pride. Did You Know?: The term gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius which means sword. Breeders: Gurneys Seed & Nursery, Brent and Beckys, Burpee, Park Seed, Jung Seed, Longfield Gardens, Harris Seeds, Pinetree, Brecks, American Madows, Gardeners Supply CoSource: National Garden Bureau18/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2022'