GLADIOLI

Set to 4 different clues across 4 published puzzles, most often “Flowers with sword-shaped leaves” — The New York Times, Thursday, 24 February 2005.

8 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Flowers with sword-shaped leavesonce
The New York Times — Thursday, 24 February 2005
Colorful, spiky flowersonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 4 July 2001
Showy irisesonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 28 June 2000
Some irisesonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 23 August 1997