Gladiolus varieties: a ranking of the best varieties for cutting (photo)

Gladiolus is a bulbous plant in the iris family. They have erect, solitary stems that can reach about 2 meters in length. The leaves are long and pointed. The flowers are collected in a spike-shaped inflorescence.

Advantages and disadvantages of flowers

Bright, luxurious flowers are a true garden highlight. Ruffled flowers are especially beautiful. One flower is enough to make a bouquet. They look wonderful in flowerbeds and as cut flowers. Besides their extraordinary beauty, gladioli have some drawbacks:

• very demanding in care, require a competent watering system,
• tall flowers need to be tied up,
• susceptible to disease,
• very thermophilic,
• complex care of bulbs collected for storage,
• degeneration of the variety.

Varieties of gladioli

Today, approximately 8,000 varieties are known. Russian breeders have achieved the best results in varietal stability and adaptability.

• White gladioli. They come in pure white, variegated, and speckled varieties. The most popular varieties include Moscow White Stone, White Birch, Assol, and Rowan in the Snow. Their names alone make it clear that these varieties are Russian-bred. The first two varieties feature pure white flowers with robust, dense, and deeply ruffled inflorescences. The second two varieties are excellent for cutting. Their snow-white petals have dark red speckles.

• Green varieties are quite unusual at first glance. The Green Fairy variety is particularly interesting. This greenest gladioli variety has shades ranging from light green to a rich hue. The ruffled petals create a shimmering effect and play of color. The Radiant Green variety has a delicate green hue and blooms in any weather. It makes a great cut flower, especially when paired with white varieties. One of the best green varieties is Travushka-Muravushka. The ruffled flowers range in color from light green to dark green.

• Yellow and cream varieties stand out from the rest with their high genetic resistance to disease. The highlight is a bright, sunny yellow with a crimson ligule in the center. Golden Antelope is a juicy, golden flower with heavily ruffled edges. This new variety is stunningly beautiful. The gladiolus Polovtsian Dances is an excellent cut flower. The combination of lemon and copper creates the illusion of flickering butterflies. The early variety Krasava impresses with its shimmering yellow, pink, and green colors.

• Fawn and orange varieties, planted in a garden plot, create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Gardeners love this variety for its warm, cozy color. The Yantarnaya Baltika variety has a peachy-pink hue with a bright spot on the lower petals. It is disease-resistant and easy to grow. The Golden Symphony variety is a yellow-fawn color, and the Honey Spas variety has a rich honey hue. These flowers are excellent cut flowers.

• Salmon gladioli are very popular due to their delicate, eye-pleasing coloring. The "Grand Duchess Elizabeth" variety has won prizes at international exhibitions. The deeply ruffled, soft salmon-colored petals have a golden spot, as if tiny suns were shining from within the flower.

• Love Potion. One of the best among the rose roses, it's disease-resistant. The brand-new variety, Vnuchkiny snishiki (Granddaughter's Eyelashes), is very popular with gardeners. It has an unusual petal shape and charming coloring.

• Red varieties. The dark red, ruffled flower with a bronze tint blooms early and is no more than that. The "Give Me a Smile" variety has a fiery red hue. It's one of the beautiful dark varieties.

• Raspberry varieties. Beautiful when cut with white flowers. "Soul of Russia" resembles an orchid. A refined, elegant, and unique flower with a raspberry-lilac coloring and an openwork pattern. "Viennese Symphony" features a milky raspberry petal with a creamy edge.

• Lilac varieties. They look stunning in a bouquet with pink ones. Lilac and white blooms are tightly arranged in a magnificent garland—this is Aphrodite. A lilac miracle! A divine serenade—a lilac-smoky masterpiece with a rich ruffle. A mysterious guest in the garden.

• Violet, light blue, and blue gladioli. Very striking flowers. When combined with other varieties, they create a delightful composition. Varieties include Admiral Ushakov, Gates of Paradise, and Ultraviolet.

• Brown and smoky gray are new varieties. Silver Stream is a favorite among gardeners for its exotic coloring. Brown Chalcedony is a combination of violet with silvery and smoky nuances. Ancient Magic is a flower with a very rare color—lilac-smoky petals with veins of raspberry and pink.

Low-growing gladioli. This variety grows about half a meter tall. They are grown as border plants and are mainly sold in flower mixes. Their advantage is that the tubers do not need to be dug up for the winter.

As a result, they bloom earlier. Dwarf gladioli don't require staking. While tall varieties are best paired with each other, border gladioli fit beautifully into a variety of flower arrangements. By combining tall and short varieties, you can create a fireworks display of colors.