Send your special birthday friend a gladiola – the flower of the Roman gladiators – that represents strong moral character.   Also named: "Sword Lily"after its weapon-shaped leaves, this flower hails from the Middle East and Africa and belongs to the iris family. 

These flowers, like the gladiators, can stand alone in a narrow vase or teamed together with shorter complimentary florals.   Offer your birthday friend a gladiola to let them known you recognize their individual strengths, that their unique self-confidence is well-founded