4 GLADIOLUS OF DISTINCTION 

the originator of GOLD MEDAL comes a new 1950 introduction, KEEPSAKE, a pure me- 
dium yellow with an even deeper shade in the lower petals. My observation has been 
limited to blooms growing in the originator’s field but impressions gained thereof, plus my 
faith in his judgment, combine to give it my approval. Commercial growers should investi- 
gate its merits. I like CRACKERJACK with its willowy spikes, for an orange-colored basket 
glad. ORANGE GOLD is truly more orange in tone. The large florets give an optical 
illusion of short flowerhead, but it grows strong and with a good stem...KATHY LEE is a 
beautiful ruffled orange. OCTOBER SUNSHINE has tones of yellow in its make-up. 
Its performance has been most satisfactory and it is recommended for both home and 
commercial plantings. 
The class of salmons, pinks and light rose is so large that it necessitates brief comments, 
in fact many varieties of deserved recognition must be omitted entirely for want of space. 
I believe EVANGELINE ranks as one of Prof. Palmer’s finest releases, in fact I would place 
it among his first 4, along with PICARDY, BURMA, and SPOTLIGHT, four gladiolus of 
widest color range. Bulblets are always among the first to grow and foliage is perfectly 
healthy. The color varies in different soils from peach buff to light rose. PHANTOM 
BEAUTY has always been one of my favorites. It always produces a perfectly balanced 
spike in formal arrangement. DEBORRAH SAMPSON rounds out a fine trio in pale pink, 
all have individuality of floret form. SPIC AND SPAN is now being almost as widely 
grown as PICARDY was of old. In favorable or adverse weather, it can be depended upon 
to produce a good cutting spike. Florida growers are recognizing the worth of this great 
variety. MISS CHICAGO is definitely light rose but has an undertone of lavender blending 
to a pleasing yellow throat. Under artificial light it appears more pink. Championships 
during show season are an everyday occurrence with this beautiful gladiolus of giant size. 
FRIENDSHIP did well in its first year with me. It has a propensity for producing tall 
spikes, unmatched by few varieties. CITATION, bright geranium pink is a husky grower 
making shoulder high spikes easily. ADORATION is early with the light pink blending 
into lavender. The beauty of BOISE BELLE grows on me with each successive season. 
It is a delightful blend of yellow and pink, opening a ribbon of color. HEART’S DESIRE in 
ruffled pale pink is an easy grower, blooms well from bulblets and has a charm all its own. 
My favorite boltched pinks still are CONNECTICUT YANKEE and CHANTILLY. I was 
delighted with the growing habits of the new RAE. Base color is white, flushed light rose. 
GRACE DARLING from the originator of FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE might be described 
as an apple blossom pink. I can recommend it as one of the best in its color. ASTRID has 
superb rose pink color; MISS WISCONSIN will be with us for many a year to come. For 
a new offering we have FASHION, practically a self geranium pink. I was privileged to 
see many fine spikes at the originator’s garden. COONEY MISS, also a 1950 release, is a 
self clean pink with wide open florets of great size. Both these releases will uphold the 
standards set by their introducers in previous releases. 
RED WING continues to be my choice over any other red in commerce today. It not 
only has had a splendid show record but uniform production of tall spikes places it in front 
ranks of commercial reds. RHETT BUTLER blooms very early, followed closely by RED 
CHERRY. In my estimation, the latter vies with SUN SPOT in being the best release from 
Mr. Roberts. BIRCH RED is a husky grower, a deep sparkling shade of red. TARAWA 
should certainly not be passed up. Beauty compensates in this instance for its tendency 
to grow a bit on the short side. Some florists do not care particularly for the red glads, 
but they are always glad to get BURMA. It has no peer among the rose reds. KENWOOD 
has not been as widely grown as it should be. ROYAL ROBES has deep velvety coloring 
and is striking combined with whites in basket work. 
MID AMERICA is a giant for the exhibitor to conjure with. In black reds, I see 
nothing to rival BLACK CHERRY, with MRS. R. G. ERREY, the runner-up. POINCIANA 
had a style all its own. Petal formation is on the order of GLAMIS, with a prominent 
white midrib. NANCY proved a good early commercial. One that has had much advance 
publicity is NINETY GRAND. I am frank to admit the color could be smoother, light red 
tending a bit towards orange. Health of foliage, vigor and regular production of straight 
spikes however entitle it to rank as a good commercial prospect. Too often I fear we are 
prone to look at the flower alone, rather than these other items of utmost importance. 
HUNTRESS is my favorite early lavender, in spite of some flecking when allowed to 
open in the field. SPRING SONG, in same season, continued its good performance. 
SIBONEY is a dream of color, in a cool shade of lavender. PATRICIAN has been ac- 
claimed the only true lavender since MINUET; it may yet give competition to the older 
commercials, as propagation and germination are of the best. It will receive its strongest 
competition from the new BRIDAL ORCHID. I have watched this not only on the show 
table but in rows growing in the introducer’s field and do not hesitate to commend it. It 
