P3736

Gladiolus Composite Flower (Glamellia) for the Professional Florist

Fresh-cut gladiolus (Gladiolus x hybridus, Iridaceae) is a useful line flower for the professional florist. Unless a customer orders a large arrangement or a sympathy tribute, it is often overlooked by floral shop design staff. Referred to in the floral trade as “glads,” these flowers are sophisticated, modern, and—dare we say—pure art in their silhouette. Let’s rethink the use of this flower, not as a stem placement in a design, but as the medium for a completely different design, a composite flower.

In floral design terminology, a composite flower is a single flower shape constructed from the petals of several flowers using wire, adhesive, or a combination of the two. (This publication provides instructions on the use of wire mechanics.) When made from multiple rose petals, it is called a duchess rose. When gladiolus florets are formed into a composite, the flower is called a glamellia, combining the words gladiolus and camellia, which it resembles.

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Publication 3736 (POD-02-25)

By James M. DelPrince, PhD, AIFD, PFCI, Associate Extension Professor, Coastal Mississippi Research and Extension Center.