GLADIOLUS TIME IN MISS RATHBONE’S GARDEN AT CHATHAM (N. Y.) 
Where these daintiest members of their family, the Primulinus Hybrids, lift tall 
slender spikes of apricot, clear yellow, and sunset rose against a foil of greenery 
“PRIM” GLADIOLUS, THE FLOWER OF ITS FAMILY 
ALICE RATHBONE 
Author of “Talking of Tulips’’ (June, 1923, G. M.), “Little Ladies of the Old School’’ (April, 1922, G. M.), “Christmas Roses” 
(Dec., 1922, G. M.) and other articles 
An Appreciation of those Demure and Dainty Members of the Gladiolus Family, the Primulinus 
Hybrids, Which so Beautifully Adorn Dining and Tea Table During Midsummer Months 
HY should there be such strong desire to exploit the 
charms of the Gladiolus primulinus hybrid, in season 
and out, if not because it has been marked by perfection 
as its own? 
So happy has been its evolution from a delicate African wild- 
ling to its present lovely self, without loss of original modest 
grace, with gain of marvelous coloring, that in only one way 
can it be considered unfortunate—its name. Imagine a gar¬ 
dener moved to exclaim, “What a perfectly lovely sight Gladio¬ 
lus primulinus hybrids is this morning!” Imagine the sudden 
vanishing of enthusiasm that would follow such a rash venture 
in appreciation! 
Out of this chilling situation grew the need of easier approach 
to this charming flower than its stand-offish name afforded. So 
the diminutive “Prim” was chosen as suggesting something of 
its sweet demureness under the hood it wears so coyly, while 
retaining a part of its own scientific middle name. 
Any other attempt at change, however, particularly in regard 
to size, wherein the greatest danger of improvement lies perhaps, 
would seem regrettable; these so-called Prims being, just as they 
are so well adapted in every way, to their chief end in life-—that 
of serving beautifully for house decoration. Their orchid-like 
flowers set along graceful stalks, in creamy whites; pale and deep 
yellow; flesh pinks: apricot tints and cool, soft reds, (harmonious 
all. and quiet without harshness throughout their entire range) 
make of our little Prims a treasure-trove indeed, for the vases. 
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