The best varieties of gladioli bred in Russia

It's hard not to love gladioli, their powerful stalks adorned with large, butterfly-like flowers. The flower comes in an incredible number of different varieties. Exploring them all is endless, and settling on just one is difficult. Few people realize these days that Russia is a leader in gladioli breeding. New varieties have been bred in the country for a long time, and Russian-bred gladioli are now considered among the best. These flowers are not only bred but also grown in Russia. The planting material is guaranteed to meet the strictest standards.

White

White Russian gladioli appear fresh and elegant. The flowers of some varieties can reach 15 centimeters in size. The spike can reach almost a meter in height. This plant loves light, and depending on the variety, white gladioli can thrive both in the garden and indoors.

The gorgeous white flowers of the Rumyanye Shchechki variety are distinguished by subtle coral streaks deep within the florets. Once cut, they will last for a long time. Faded corollas will be replaced by new ones opening at the top of the stem.

Green

Many have heard of the Green Ice variety. But what about varieties like:

• Peacock feather;
• Gifts of Berendey;
• Grass-ant, etc.

These gladiolus varieties are moderately ruffled and feature a uniform light green color, sometimes with a hint of another hue. A single spike can contain up to 22 buds, with up to 8 open flowers per spike. These varieties require little care and are easy to propagate. Peacock's Feather is a universal favorite, the number one choice for those who love green gladioli.

The "Our Garden" variety is also worth mentioning. Its coloring is more like a light green. In good daylight, it can resemble a lemon shade. The petals are dense and pleasantly silky. A spike typically has no more than 21 buds. The plant can reach a height of 140 cm. This variety can be seen at exhibitions, where it often wins diplomas.

Yellow

Gladiolus varieties are each attractive in their own way. Among Russian selections, the following varieties are particularly popular in the yellow gladioli category:

• Natalie;
• Margarita;
• Wax fantasy;
• Yesenin's sadness;
• Solo Canaries.

And that's not all. Nowadays, varieties with attractive yellow coloring, as well as bi- and tri-colored corollas, are available. Margarita is a variety with flowers that are uniquely shaped, somewhat reminiscent of stars. The petals have a distinctive spray. Solo Canary can refresh and decorate any garden with its unique combination of orange and bright yellow.

Pale yellow

Pale gladioli with a unique raspberry edge may have vibrant raspberry stalks. The stalks may extend to the petals below, softly blending with their own hue.

The Donna Maria variety is distinguished by a dark, contrasting edge and can reach a height of 140 centimeters. Like Fairy, this variety thrives in sunny garden spots. The soil should be loose. If the flower grows properly, a single stalk will produce up to 15 flowers.

Orange

Many orange gladioli varieties bred in Russia, such as Tanyusha or Diadema, have large flowers and vary in height, from 80 to 150 cm. Orange varieties can combine several soft shades, subtly complementing the main color. Orange varieties can also feature a contrasting blotch in the center of the flower cup or a border that differs in color upon close inspection. Good examples of this type of variety include:

• Nizhny Novgorod;
• Ekaterina Romanova;
• Ballet Star.

Salmon

What's so remarkable about varieties like Stryapukha, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and Jo Ann? They all boast a stunning combination of salmon and pink hues. The best Russian-bred gladioli varieties may feature a partial fringe along the petal edges. These varieties have robust spikes and ruffled flowers with a distinctive density. This texture provides a good foundation for the rich color of many flowers in this category.

Pink

Pink gladioli can be divided into:

• monochromatic saturated;
• with contrasting inclusions;
• pink in combination with subtle shades.

The "Chary Lyubvi" variety boasts a rich color, while "Ocharovannaya Olga" is strikingly different with its delicate, washed-out hue and beautifully edged petals. These are two striking examples of the diversity of pink gladiolus varieties. Domestically bred gladioli in this color often receive much attention at exhibitions.

Red

Russian gladiolus breeders have also popularized new, incredible varieties with rare shades of red. The "Bolshoye Iskoshchenie" variety delights with its rich color and powerful stems. While relatively short, they are resilient and hardy. Varieties with crimson shades and pink edges will be a real sensation in the garden.

Black and red

A striking example is the Madagascar variety. What makes it remarkable:

• rich color;
• dense, velvety petals;
• massive arrows;
• strong ear.

Madagascar has become a favorite of many due to its high growth rate. The inflorescence is attractive, making it a popular choice for bouquets.

Crimson

Russian gladioli varieties are particularly popular in raspberry shades. The Anitra variety has become popular due to its characteristic warm raspberry color. Like many other gladioli, these new Russian-bred varieties can have a beautiful two-row inflorescence and are distinguished by pleated petals. Some petals of raspberry gladioli may have darker, bright raspberry spots or white streaks.

Lilac

Lilac gladioli make a striking, striking addition to any garden. "Waterfall Splashes" is a perfect example of how gladioli in lilac shades can look. The petals are dense and velvety, and early in the plant's development, they can be heavily ruffled. The inflorescence can contain up to nine flowers, while the total number is 21.

Blue

Blue gladioli are primarily new gladioli varieties that have become popular in Russian breeding since 2006. The Blue Butterfly variety is distinguished by its distinctive height, reaching a maximum of 130 centimeters. The leaves are neatly gathered together, sword-shaped, and together create a distinctive rosette. A single inflorescence contains up to 22 buds, seven of which can be open at a time. The Andrey Pervozvanny variety has also become a favorite among gardeners; its petals are velvety and corrugated, and the buds within the inflorescence can be larger than usual.

Blue

Star of Ukraine and Neon Lightning are striking examples of gladioli in this color. These are early-planting varieties. Their flowers are very ruffled. Both varieties produce a maximum of eight flowers per inflorescence. It's worth noting that these varieties, like Modru Program, are very sensitive to changes in care. They require a lot of attention and do not tolerate sudden temperature changes well.

Violet

Many new gladioli varieties from Russian breeders are available in this shade. The Midnight Moon variety boasts a deep purple combined with contrasting white. Some buds open into flowers with a small, fuzzy spot on the petal. The plant is weather-resistant. Midnight Moon reaches a maximum height of 140 centimeters. This variety has been awarded diplomas at many Russian exhibitions. Popular purple varieties also include Blue Bay, Magic Flute, and Night Fun.

Smoky

A Russian selection has now introduced a smoky-hued gladiolus. This flower boasts an exotic coloring, combining delicate petals with contrasting highlights, such as violet speckles and raspberry dots. Varieties such as Mysterious Atlantis boast a smooth transition of soft hues, adding a special charm to the plant. This variety grows vigorously from mid-summer, reaching its maximum height of 120 centimeters by the end of summer. The plant often forms a vigorous spike.

Brown

Until recently, gardeners couldn't even dream of such beauty as brown gladioli. Now, Russian gladioli varieties are available in this shade. This rare shade for a plant is striking in its exoticism. The unusual "Shokoladnitsa" variety amazes with its combination of caramel and burgundy. The edges of the flower are slightly ruffled. And the center differs slightly in hue, being slightly lighter.

This variety is very large, so it requires support. It can reach a height of 120 cm. The 'U Kamina' and 'Koryan Chalcedony' varieties are also particularly popular.