2 12 Cornell Extension Bulletin io 



It would seem that this variation in form of flower is due to hybridity, 

 or the minghng and blending of forms from various species, rather than 

 to the external influence of ecological factors. The angular bloom of the 

 typical Gladiolus gandavensis crossed with the more bell-shaped bloom 

 of G. purpureo-auratus would seem to offer a possibility of getting the 

 semi-peloriate form, which would be intermediate and should face nearly 

 front, due to its parents G. psittacinus and G. purpureo-auratus, though 

 oftsn tending toward the decidedly opposite or two-direction facing of 

 the parent G. opposiiiflorus. G. cruentus and G. oppositiflorus seem 

 to have been potent influences in eliminating the hooded character, or, 

 in other words, to have caused a greater symmetry, or actinomorphy. 

 It must be admitted, however, that neither solution explains the mixed 

 arrangement of forms on a single spike. 



IDEALS IN FLOWER AND IN GROWTH 



The ideal form for the gladiolus bloom may now be considered. In 

 most cases the bloom should be nearly round in outline, the upper segments 

 broader than the three lower ones, the central segment slightly arched 

 but not enough to be really hooded. Usually the segments should be as 

 broad as long. The three lower segments, according to some ideals, 

 should be equal in size and symmetrical; the lip segment or segments 

 should not be narrow or pointed, nor smaller than the others. It must be 

 remembered that the species Gladiolus primulinus is hooded and seems to 

 transmit this quality to its seedlings. These should not be condemned 

 for this, however, but admired. Certain other varieties, though much 

 admired, are faulty in having extremely small and narrow lower seg- 

 ments. 



The gladiolus is remarkable for its range of color, which varies from 

 the most brilliant scarlet to pure white, from bright rose to clear yellow, 

 gorgeous purple, and rich velvety maroon, beside all the intermediate 

 shades, tints, and colors in endless combinations, together with the most 

 unique markings. These markings are described as dots, stippling (very 

 fine dots), splashes (long, irregular patches of color, or dashes), feathering 

 (fine markings originating at the outer edges of the segments), mottling 

 (irregular spots), blotches (regular, large areas of color found on the lower 

 segments in Lenwinei varieties and other groups), penciling (fine lines in 

 the throat, found especially in gandavensis and Ckildsii varieties), suffusion 

 (colors laid on as though painted over another color), marbling (inter- 

 mixed or clouded eftects), blends (gradual transitions of one tone to 

 another), and flecking (small dashes). Each of the wild species has con- 

 tributed to this motley array of beauty. Where is there a flower with 

 such a range of diverse markings? 



