The Versatility of Gladiolus

Spikes of hot pink, terra cotta, and cranberry gladiolus, unfurling in a bouquet of autumn color, will spice up fall arrangements, thanks to a new collection of gladiolus hybrids recently released in California. The new releases emphasize vivid, intense color such as terra cotta 'Coppertone'; deep hot pink 'Cerise'; gem-colored 'Ruby'; and 'Cranberry', the burgundy red of the fruit juice. 'Blue Mountain' is a deep blue, which turns to a lighter shade at the throat.

The new colors are guaranteed to give some new zest to fall arrangements. Ron Ota, AIFD, owner of Flower Power florist shop in Camarillo, California, designs extensively with the gladiolus. Ota says this cut flower lends itself to almost any type of style and can provide the height or skeleton of an arrangement. Ota also uses individual florets for leis, corsage and wedding work.

The new hybrids provide a greater variety of colors than other spike type flower. For spectacular fall arrangements, Ota suggests combining 'Coppertone' with sunflowers, yellow Asiatic lilies, or yellow and orange gerberas. For a more earthy arrangement, add in "weedy" flowers and greens, twigs, and yellow statice.

For a striking contrast to the golds and browns of fall, the eyecatching color of dark red 'Ruby' can be combined with bronze chrysanthemums and the golden tones of carnations, yarrow, solidaster, or button pompons. A few stems of autumn leaves add the final touch.

The new colors are not just for fall; they will add excitement to arrangements year round. For an elegant holiday arrangement combine hot pink 'Cerise' with white flowers like Casablanca lilies, and accent the flowers with silver ribbon and silver balls.

In coming years, consumers will see more vivid colors added to the traditional reds and yellows of gladiolus. This is the result of a new joint venture between Glad-A-Way Gardens in California, and Manatee Fruit Co. in Florida. By utilizing two growing regions, hybridizers have shortened the time table for developing new varieties.

The process begins in Florida where two parent gladiolus are crossed in January and February. The seed is gathered in April and planted in California by the first of May. During the fall, bulbs are produced and they are planted in Florida in February. Flowers are blooming there by April. As a result of this method, the time to get a new hybrid into commercial production is reduced by half.

The future will see not only many new colors but also larger flowers. Currently under observation is a hybrid that produces florets of 5 to 5.5 inches in diameter, giving florists and consumers more mileage out of each flower.

Back to Design Ideas