iqS Cornell Extension Bulletin io 



Curved spikes are indispensable for some of the most effective arrange- 

 ments, especially in huge hampers. Large vases of one variety, such as 

 Brenchleyensis, Hazel Harvey, Mrs. Francis King, and some other darker 

 varieties, are effective when combined with the variegated-leaved corn 

 {Zea mays var. japonica). Mrs. B. H. Tracy deserves much credit for 

 popularizing this flower in a decorative way by exhibiting the blooms 

 properly, for she has made many advances in arrangement o^^er 

 the ordinary method of using uninteresting vases and inappropriate 

 receptacles. 



In addition to the value of the gladiolus as a cut flower, it is especially 

 attractive also as a garden subject when planted thickly in clumps or 

 beds. Soil well prepared will allow a good development of the spikes, 

 even if the corms have been very closely set. Unless used in masses, 

 the plants are likely to appear rather spindling; but when properly planted, 

 the bed of gladioli is one of the most showy features of stmmier or autumn. 

 The beds so used need not be for gladioH exclusively, but may have some 

 annuals or perennials growing with them. Good combinations result 

 from planting early in the spring a bed of white Phlox Drummondii, and 

 later using the gladiolus America between the plants; or pink phlox and 

 the gladiolus Rochester White may be combined. Especially effective 

 is the combination of gladiolus with the summer hyacinth {Galtonia 

 [-Hyacinthiis] candicans), the tall spikes of white bloom and the bold 

 foliage of the latter seeming especially harmonious. No better combina- 

 tion is available than that which results from the planting of some corms 

 among irises, which have leaves in perfect harmony with the gladiolus 

 and which bloom in a widely separated season. 



The stately spikes are attractive when used in large clumps of one 

 variety among shrubbery. Care must be taken not to place the plants 

 within the detrimental influence of large tree roots or in too much shade. 

 Gardeners frequently start certain good varieties in boxes or pots, and, 

 when in full growth, transplant them in clvimps to places in the border 

 where a bit of color is needed after some other plants have failed. 



Miss Andres (19 14) advocates combining colimibines, petunias, and 

 gladioli, not only because of their colors, but also, and mainly, for the 

 excellent succession of bloom provided. 



Bold masses of Gladiolus primulinus hybrids (fig. 12) are extremely 

 effective, since their various colors blend so well. Blue Jay and Baron 

 Joseph Hulot are violet and blue varieties which harmonize well with 

 yellow varieties, such as Golden King or Sulphur King. 



Excellent combinations have been made with roses and gladioli. 

 The June-flowering roses are best for this purpose, since they are entirely 

 out of season when the gladiolus is at its best. 



