Gladiolus
« The five thousand Gladiolus have beautiful green spikes, maybe will you hear them when they say daddy. »
Clémenceau to Monet
Description
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) belong to the botanic family ‘’Iridacées’’. Originating from Africa and Asia, there are more than 200 sorts and numerous hybrid varieties. Their sword shaped leaves, can reach one and a half meters high.
Gardening
Giverny’s gardeners plant Gladiolus during all spring time, so that they flower from August till September. Gladiolus like heat and easily grow full in the sun, on every kind of ground.
Monet and gladiolus
Graphical and brilliant, Gladiolus are present in numerous works by Monet. In ‘’Terrasse à Sainte Adresse’’ (1867), they already are presented among end of summer’s flowers. In ‘’Les Glaïeuls’’ (1876), they are the real main subject of the painting, showing Camille, standing in the garden, already ill. This red sheaf, associated with Geraniums bordering the clumps, certainly illustrate the way Monet like to contemplate these flowers.
Where and when can we see some in Giverny ?
Gladiolus in Giverny (mainly dwarf varieties such as ‘’glaïeul nanus’’ or ‘’glaïeul de Colville’’) flower during all summer time in the ‘’Clos Normand’’.
