Viy

The stately 'Viy' Gladiolus: from planting to cutting

The 'Viy' gladiolus is a breeding masterpiece from the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden that demands a professional approach. This plant is for those who are prepared to provide proper maintenance in exchange for exceptional aesthetics. With flower stalks reaching 140–160 cm in height, the plant imposes strict requirements on site management: sturdy support is mandatory. Without staking, the powerful stem is at risk of damage from strong winds, especially during the formation of dense inflorescences.

Operational characteristics

• Flower diameter: 15–17 cm. These large burgundy funnels require sufficient nutrition. When growing for cutting, it is essential to prevent bulb depletion by applying potassium-phosphorus fertilizers during the budding phase.
• Maintenance: The variety requires regular watering and soil cultivation. The high decorative value of 'Viy' depends directly on planting density: an optimal spacing of 15 cm helps avoid overcrowding, which can trigger fungal diseases.
• Maintenance of planting stock: 'Viy' multiplies well via cormels, allowing for the rapid renewal and expansion of your collection. The key condition is proper drying and winter storage of bulbs at a temperature of 3–6°C.

The use of this variety is justified both in landscape design for creating dramatic garden accents and in professional floriculture. Cut 'Viy' flowers retain their freshness for a long time, provided the stems are trimmed at an angle and placed in clean water. It is a reliable, time-tested Ukrainian variety that, when cultivated according to standard agrotechnical practices, delivers consistent results in the form of flawless, velvety burgundy blossoms.