ruffled or glory type have been introduced by Kunderd 
and other hybridizers. Up until this time gladiolus growers 
had given all of their attention to securing larger and more 
finely colored flowers. Yellow and orange shades were lack¬ 
ing, however, and to get these the primulinus was drawn 
upon. It was discovered in 1887 and was known as the 
Maid-of-N4ist gladiolus because where it grew it was con¬ 
tinually covered with spray and mist from the great Zam¬ 
besi Falls. Its distinct curved hood served to protect its sta¬ 
mens and pistol from the soaking spray. They were used 
by hybridizers to produce the type, primulinus hybrids. 
They bloom early and are greatly valued for floral decora¬ 
tion. Alice Tiplady is still one of the most popular “Prims”. 
The continued crossing and re-crossing of Primulinus hy¬ 
brids with the larger flowered types has brought into exist¬ 
ence the Grandiflorus or large flowered Primulinus. Many 
of the fine new varieties are of this type. 
Another new type, introduced by Kunderd in 1923, 
having lacinated or fringed petals is called Lacinatus. There 
are only a few varieties of this type and they are still scarce 
and high in price. Lacinatus was first offered at $1000 
per bulb. 
At the present time there are many hundreds of varieties 
for the glad fan to choose from. The beautiful delicate 
shades of pink and lavender are not found in any other of 
our common flowers except the sweet pea which is often very 
difficult to grow. By visiting a gladiolus garden when the 
flowers are in full bloom during August and September, the 
the various varieties may be studied at first hand. Here at 
Sunny Ridge we endeavor to grow about a hundred of the 
best varieties; adding new ones as they prove their merit 
and dropping old varieties as they become obsolete. By a 
proper choice of varieties you may have cut flowers from 
early August until frost, a six to eight weeks period. The 
gladiolus is truly a most satisfactory flower. 
K. K. Mills 
