Underrated Indian Flowers: Chrysanthemum, Gladiolus and Tuberose

Roses, lilies and orchids get most of the attention in modern bouquets. Yet some of the most beautiful, long-lasting and affordable flowers grow right here in India and have been part of homes, temples and celebrations for generations. Chrysanthemum, gladiolus and tuberose deserve a much bigger place in your flower choices.

Here is why these three are worth a second look.

Chrysanthemum: the dependable all-rounder

Chrysanthemums, often called guldaudi in North India, bloom in huge variety: tiny buttons, large pom-poms, spider forms and daisy-like singles. They come in white, yellow, pink, purple, bronze and red.

Why they are underrated

• Excellent vase life, often ten days or more
• Affordable and widely available
• Sturdy enough for garlands, decor and bouquets
• Winter flower shows in Delhi celebrate them for good reason

Where they shine: festival decor, puja arrangements, mixed bouquets and office displays. Note that chrysanthemums can upset pets' stomachs, so keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.

Gladiolus: tall, dramatic and elegant

Gladiolus produces long spikes lined with ruffled blooms that open from the bottom up. A single stem can reach a metre tall.

Why gladiolus is underrated

• Dramatic height that fills a vase or stage instantly
• Blooms open over a week, so one stem keeps changing
• Wide colour range: white, pink, red, orange, yellow and purple
• Surprisingly affordable for the impact

Where gladiolus shines: tall vase arrangements, stage decor, church and event entrances, and corporate lobbies. Gladiolus pairs beautifully with roses and chrysanthemums in large displays.

Care tip: Remove the lowest blooms as they fade and trim the stem. Upper buds will continue to open. Keep gladiolus away from fruit, since ethylene gas shortens their life.

Tuberose: the fragrance of Indian celebrations

Tuberose, known as rajnigandha, is famous for its intense, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. White, waxy flowers line tall stems.

Why it is underrated

• One of the most fragrant flowers in the world
• Long vase life, often a week or more
• Traditional in weddings, garlands and bridal jewellery
• Elegant in simple arrangements

Where it shines: wedding garlands, veni hair decorations, living rooms and evening events. Because the fragrance is strong, avoid tuberose in hospitals, small closed rooms or around people with allergies.

Why these flowers suit Delhi

All three handle the city's climate better than many imported flowers. Chrysanthemums love the cool winter months. Gladiolus is widely available through much of the year. Tuberose thrives in warm weather. Our article on heat-tolerant flowers covers more flowers that handle Delhi summers.

Using them in bouquets

• Gladiolus with red roses for a tall, dramatic bouquet
• Chrysanthemum pom-poms with gerberas for a cheerful, affordable mix
• Tuberose stems with white roses for a fragrant, elegant arrangement

Buying tips

When choosing gladiolus, pick stems where only the bottom two or three florets are open and the rest are still in bud; they will open over the following days. For chrysanthemums, look for firm, fully coloured heads with no browning at the centre. Tuberose stems should have a few open flowers near the base and plenty of tight buds above. Fresh stems of all three should feel firm, not soft or slimy.

A note on seasons

Chrysanthemums peak from November to January, when Delhi hosts its well-known chrysanthemum shows. Tuberose is at its best in the warmer months. Gladiolus is grown in several regions, so it is available for much of the year, though quality varies with the weather.

Using them in rituals

Chrysanthemums and tuberose appear in temple offerings, and tuberose garlands are common at weddings. Our puja flower decoration team uses these flowers in many traditional setups. For a wider view of temple flowers, read our guide to the best flowers for religious ceremonies.

Ordering with Krish Florist

At Krish Florist, we are happy to build bouquets and decor around these flowers. Mention gladiolus, chrysanthemum or tuberose when you order, and we will design around their strengths. Our bulk flower order service is ideal for events that need gladiolus or chrysanthemums in quantity.