The Gladiolus variety Gagarin's Smile is a well-known cormous plant named in honor of the first Russian cosmonaut. This variety is distinguished by its high decorative value and has been recognized multiple times at various exhibitions, including international ones. The plant reaches a significant height—up to 190 cm under favorable conditions, usually from 150 to 180 cm. The gladiolus stems are solitary and straight, with rich green sword-shaped leaves. The inflorescence stalks are sturdy, up to 70 cm long, which ensures the plant's stability and ease of use in floral arrangements and flowerbeds.
The variety's flowers are large, up to 16 cm in diameter, with ruffled petals. The coloration features light shades of pink or salmon with a bright red spot inside the throat. These flowers do not fade in the sun, making them particularly attractive for long-term decorative use. Up to 25 buds can form on a single stem, of which up to 11 flowers bloom simultaneously. The inflorescences can be two-rowed and have various shapes—unilateral, bilateral, or spiral, which gives the plant additional originality.
The Gagarin's Smile variety belongs to the early-mid flowering period, which allows it to be used in various climatic conditions and regions. Due to its height, sturdy inflorescence stalks, and bright coloration, this gladiolus is excellent for growing in open ground as well as for creating striking floral compositions. Gromov's selection, conducted in 1980, provided the variety with stability and decorative qualities valued by both amateurs and professional floriculturists.
