Gladiolus and other summer bulbs are great additions to cutting gardens. In the spring of 2007, you’ll find a number of new varieties in garden centers and nurseries as well as in garden catalogs and online. The ones below should be available in time for spring planting.

Calla Lily Galaxy

Calla Galaxy reaches about 1½ to 2½ feet in height. Blooming throughout the summer, this produces a large number of stems that are just perfect for cut flowers. The interior of the bloom is medium pink with a slightly lighter shade on the outside.


Dahlia Blushing Doll

When it comes to daisy-like flowers, dahlias are hard to match. For 2007, there are numerous varieties that are great for cut flowers. Blushing Doll dahlia reaches about 2½ feet in height. Throughout the summer, it bears fully double blossoms that are up to five inches across. The delicate pink in the petals is beautifully highlighted by the deeper purplish-pink around the edge.


Decorative Dahlia Crazy Love

Reaching two to four feet in height, Crazy Love dahlia is fully double. The white petals have a pink blush along the tips and edges of the petals.


Decorative Dahlia Christine

Growing from 2½ to four feet tall, Christine dahlia is a dinner plate type. The double blooms are coral with subtle touches on pale yellow on the petals towards the center.


Gladiolus Vera Lynn

For 2007, a number of new gladiolus will be available with the taller ones being suitable for cut flowers. These bulbs usually begin blooming in July. However, this does depend upon the planting time. Among the new varieties is Vera Lynn gladiolus. This grows to about three to four feet in height. It bears pastel blue blossoms that are nearly white. In the center, there’s a splash of dark purple for contrast.


Gladiolus Far West

Gladiolus Far West is a lovely bicolor. While the interior and throats are yellow, the remaining portions of the petals are orange-red. The edges are lace-like.


Gladiolus Fringed Coral Lace

This has beautifully frilled blossoms. The bright coral color surrounds white blotches in the throat.


Green Star Gladiolus

Green Star gladiolus is sure to become a classic. Reaching four to five feet in height, the stately stems feature ruffled blooms that are almost green.


Mon Amour Gladiolus

This reaches four to five feet in height. This bicolor is a gorgeous blend of pastels. With frilled edges, the petals feature shades of pink, pale yellow, and white.

Generally, gladiolus will begin blooming about two months from the time of planting. However, this does depend somewhat on the variety being grown.