Comments on some of the newer varieties of Gladiolus as observed at the 
wholesale flower store of A. Rasmussen & Son, Louisville, Kentucky. 
A number of other new and promising varieties were not received in sufficient quantity to 
warrant comment from a commercial cut flower view point. These comments must not be taken 
as a criticism of any variety which is not mentioned. They are simply an evaluation of those 
newer varieties received in commercial quantities during the summer of 1947. 
By John C. Rasmussen 
YELLOWS—SPOTLIGHT—Rates tops as a yellow commercial. The Flower Stores ask for this 
one. Color, size of flower, opening habits of florets, keeping quality, general overall 
character unsurpassed. 
CRINKLECREAM—Fine clear yellow, large flowers, good spikes. One of the best. Sells 
well. 
GOLDEN STATE—Somewhat deeper in color than Crinklecream, opens a nice bouquet. A 
fine variety. Sells well. 
OREGON GOLD—Fine late light yellow. Extra good texture to flowers. Rates with 
Crinklecream and Golden State. Sells well. 
VAN GOLD—Best early deep yellow. Comes into bloom before Spotlight. The best for 
early cutting. 
REDS—RED CHARM—Red Charm was very fine and probably had a slight edge over Algonquin 
and Stoplight. However the customers took them impartially and did not distinguish. 
LAVENDER—HUNTRESS—Huntress proved to be a very fine lavender, sought for by our custo- 
mers. One of the first to be sold out. Large, well placed, firm textured florets, open- 
ing 6 to 8. We liked this one. 
WHITES—SILVER WINGS—Silver Wings topped all white varieties in quality at our store. 
A dozen of these were a sight to behold. The customers like this one. Opens 8 or 
more large well placed flowers of superb quality. 
LEADING LADY—Not quite as white as Silver Wings, equally good quality in all other 
respects. Most customers made no distinction and bought it freely. 
ANNAMAE—tThis is not so new. An early variety, chalk white, opens well and is popular 
with the customers. Fine white for early production. 
CREAM COLOR—ORIENTAL PEARL—Fine straight strong spikes opening 5 or more very large 
well placed flowers. Color in my opinion is dull and lacks lustre. Many of my cus- 
tomers thought differently and asked for it. Probably the best cream coming in to our 
store. 
DEEP PINK OR ROSE—MISS WISCONSIN—Miss Wisconsin has what it takes. Grabbed up by 
the customers whenever it appeared on our tables. Fine rose pink color, good spike, 
good texture, large florets well placed, good opener. Rates a top place. 
SUMMER GAL—Another very fine deep pink, suffused with salmon. This opens 10 or more 
very large, firm textured, well placed ruffled florets. An entirely different shade of 
pink from Miss Wisconsin, this one is a top notcher and should make the grade. Sold 
well. 
MEDIUM PINK—BENGASI—Bengasi, which we received in limited quantities, gives evidence 
of being one of the finest new varieties. There were some crooked stems in the 
bunches received. Quality of flower and spike was really good. Would like to see 
more of this one. 
SALMON PINK—OGARITA—Large salmon pink, makes a fine show on the sales table. For 
those who want a big display of high quality rather than daintiness, this fills the bill. 
Always sold out. 
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