1889

14 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Cockscomb plant.]

New Giant Empress Cockscomb. Very handsome either for pot plants or specimen plants in beds, where they excite the curiosity of visitors more than almost any plant that can be grown. The Empress which we illustrate is the finest and most Gordeous [Gorgeous?] variety yet introduced. It is not uncommon for the heads of this variety to measure over twelve inches in breadth; very bright purple combs and dark bronze foliage. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Double Pearl Phlox Drummondi. A grand novelty first introduced by us this season. About five years ago we procured from a German grower seed of what purported to be Double White Phlox, but only about one-half came double from the seed. By constant selection each year we have improved it so that it comes true to name. It is very pretty, and will prove a splendid acquisition for bouquet work and suitable for button-hole bouquets, etc. Very pretty for borders and bedding. See illustration on cover of catalogue. Per pkt. 15 cts.

Phlox Drum. Grandiflora Occulata.- Fine mixed, pkt. 10c. [10 cts?].

Variveined Salpiglosis. (See Illustration on Cover of Catalogue.) This is one of the handsomest and richest colored annuals with which we are acquainted. Flowers are beatifully [beautifully?] variegated and veined and attract great attention. It is much larger than the common Salpiglosis. The surface is soft and velvety, and the wealth of color displayed is marvellous. The plants are easily raised, and in good soil will grow from two to three feet high. Colors range from pure white to dark yellow, dark red, and purplish black, with all shades between beautifully striped veined and mottled. They are, indeed, very satisfactory garden flowers, and we cheerfully recommend them to our patrons. Seeds were saved from the finest flowers grown on our Adair Co. Seed Farm. Don't fail to try them. Per pkt. 10 cts.

"Lion's Tail." (Leonotus Leonuris.) It blooms from September to December, and if successive propagations are made of it late in spring it can be got to bloom during the winter months, and it is a most valuable plant either for the sitting room or conservatory. The drawing conveys but a meagre idea of it, as the spikes are upwards of a foot in length and of a most vivid orange color, which, next to blue, is the rarest color we have among flowers. All lovers of flowers should have one or more of these strangely curious and attractive plants. plants. Each postpaid 15 cts.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Lion's Tail plant in bloom. Caption-Lion's Tail.]

Helianthus Multiflorus. Hardy Double Golden Sunflower- A beautiful hardy plant, growing to the height of three to four feet; flowers a rich golden yellow; very double and as large as a medium sized Dahlia. Much prized as corsage flowers. It begins to bloom in July and continues until frost. A bed of these on our grounds the past season was the admiration of all who saw it. The plant is hardy in most localities, but the roots are easily wintered in boxes of soil in any cellar without trouble, and this is the surest way to preserve them. No matter how small a plant is, when set out in the spring, it will in a short time grow to a large, bushy plant, loaded with bloom [blooms?]. In the way of grandeur and beauty it is a fitting companion for the great Hydragea [Hydrangea?] Paniculata Grandiflora. Those who plant this grand flower will be more than pleased with it. Plants 20c [20 cts.?] each; 3 for 50c. [50 cts.?]

Iowa seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ... 15

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Carnation plant in full bloom, Copyrighted by A. Blanc.]

Buttercup Carnation. This is a new variety, having been introduced a few years ago, but its great beauty and admirable qualities which adapt it as a popular flower seem to have never been understood by the flower-loving classes. It is the nearest approach to pure yellow that we have ever had in carnations. The flowers are immense in size, rich yellow in color, and only slightly flecked with crimson. It is a fine grower and profuse bloomer; the flowers are on long stems. A well grown plant, like that shown in our engraving, makes a beautiful specimen plant for parlor or sittingroom. Plants 20 cts. each.

Double Golden Marguerite. Nothing could be more showy than tnis [this?] beautiful new plant, either as a pot plant or bedded out. This plant might well be called the "Shower of gold," as it is a perfect mass of rich, golden yellow flowers, the whole year round. Well-grown plants have as many as one hundred and fifty flowers on them at once. Plants 20 cts. each, postpaid.

Colchester, Ills., March 27, '88.- The seeds secured of you last year were all satisfactory and grew well, notwithstanding the drought. T. J. WOOD.

Moon Flower or Evening Glory. This plant has attracted much attention throughout the country. Although not a new variety, it has become popular recently. One lady says it was trained on strings to a balcony twenty-five feet high and forty feet wide, and that from August to November it was covered nightly and in dull days, with its white, moon-like flowers from five to six inches in diameter. It has also a rich Jessamine-like odor at night. Another correspondent from Richmond, Va., writes that "he set out a plant about May 15th, at the foot of a large dead tree, and by the end of August it had completely covered the tree (forty feet high) and was hanging in festoons of lovely white flowers from every branch, giving it a weird and solemn appearance as the moonlight was reflected upon it." Plants, postpaid, 20 cts each; six for $1.00. Seeds 15 cts. per pkt.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Evening Glory vines with blooms; climbing up porch trellis on house, Copyrighted by A. Blanc, 1887]

16 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

Fuchsia---Phenomenal. The largest Fuchsia that has yet come to our notice, even larger than Champion of the World; short tube and sepals of a rich reddish crimson color; corolla very full and double, of a beautiful azure violet, flaked with red. The accompanying illustration will give some idea of the extraordinary size and beauty of the flower. Too much cannot be said in its favor, and all who love flowers should have at least one plant. It will attract universal attention in any collection. Plants each 20 cts. postpaid.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Fuchsia blossoms. Caption-Phenomenal - Largest Fuchsia in Existence.]

Three New Coleus for 1889. Produced by the Iowa Seed Co. from hybridized seed. Described and named by our florist as follows:

Try Me- This beautiful Coleus is a good strong grower and keeps its color well; the outer edge of the leaf is bright green, blotched with chocolate and maroon; the center is blotched with all shades of yellow and crimson to a dark maroon. We think it the most attractive of all the Coleus. Each 15 cts.; 9 for $1.00.

Eclipse- A beautiful variety for ribbon beds or borders. The leaves have a deep border of dark maroon and the center of the brightest crimson; very fine. Each 15 cts.; 9 for $1.00.

Git There- This is indeed a novel Coleus, the body of the leaf is a dark green, veined and mottled with chocolate; the center is a band of deep crimson, blotched with yellow, a good strong grower. Each 15 cts.; 9 for $1.00.

Chesterfield, Ill., Feb'y 29, '88 :- I was well pleased with the seeds I got of you last year and send a larger order this year. Geo. Story.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Fuchsia plant in bloom.]

Storm King Fuchsias. This is the great Storm King so much has been said about. As will be seen by the cut, this grand plant is of the most beautiful weeping habit. The branches, drooping as they do, lend the plant a charming grace which is rarely found. The buds for two weeks before they expand are balls of bright scarlet crimson, and are one of the principal beauties of the plant, as they hang suspended among the dense green foliage. The flowers continue to grow larger and larger for several days after they expand, and reach an enormous size. The sepals of the same are glowing scarlet crimson of the buds, while the large double corolla is of delicate waxy whiteness, elegantly pencilled with deep bright crimson. No finer contrast of color can be imgined. 20 cts. each.

Iowa Seed Company, Des Moines, Iowa. ... 17

Cruel Plant. A beautiful Brazilian climber, with pure white, deliciously scented blossoms borne in clusters. It derives the peculiar name of "Cruel Plant" or "Cruel flower, " because insects are attracted by its highly odoriferous perfume, and thus entrapped in the open flower struggling as imprisoned by the sticky nectar contained in the flower, until dead. As an out-door summer climber it is a most excellant [excellent] plant, and one which gives great satisfaction. During the months of July, August and September they are literally covered with white sweet scented flowers, blooming from every eye or joint. Makes also a splendid winter bloomer, and have attracted great attention in our green houses. This plant is one we are sure will please our friends, not only because of its intrinsic beauty, but for its peculiar habit - it might almost be called a carnivorous plant! Order in time - there will be a large demand for this. 25 cts. each.

Rare and Beautiful Orchids. Of all the flower plants grown, there are none which are at the present time attracting uch general attention as the Orchids, and it is strange that they are not more generally cultivated. For beauty and peculiar structure no other order of plants can surpass them. Many of the varieties are easily grown, and flower freely. Plants are somewhat expensive, many ranging from $25.00 to $100.00 each. We list only the cheaper varieties, such as will do well in a window garden, conservatory, greenhouse or fernery. Don't be afraid to put a little money into them, and you will be pleased, we are sure, and amply repaid. The cultivation of this beautiful class of plants has been retarded by two causes: first, their cost; and secondly, the supposition that they were difficult to cultivate. Immense importations lately have brought prices down, and purchasers should remember that the plants grow more valuable as they grow older. Many of the varieties are as easily grown as Geraniums or Heliotrope, and will do well in any house where Heliotrope can be grown in winter, and where the heat is kept as low as possible by shading and syringing during the hot months of June, July and August. They prosper in any place where Rex Begonias can be grown. During the winter months give the plants plenty of sun, and at the same time merely enough water to prevent bulbs from shriveling. Many varieties do much better on blocks or in hanging baskets, and it is easier to grow them in this way than in pots. We can furnish a manual on Orchid culture for 50 cts., postpaid. Price of plants $1.00 each, or 6 all different for $5.00, postpaid. Larger plants established on blocks at $2.00 to $10.00 each. These can only be sent by express.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, Resurrection Plant, A. Blanc. Phil.]

RESURRECTION PLANT. A great curiosity. The plants, when dry, roll up into a ball, and can be laid away or kept in that state for months or years, to all appearances perfectly dead; but when placed in a saucer or vase of water they in a few moments unfold and become green and beautiful, and make a very pretty plant as long as they are kept moist. They grow without soil. It is a native of a desert country, where it is blown over the ground by the wind, and whenever it happens to drop into a pool of water, it expands and takes root. When the pool dries up it again rolls itself into a ball and resumes its travels. Price, 20 cts. each; 6 for $1.00.

New Monthly Pelargonium. Fred. Dorner - Flowers large and perfect, in medium trusses; of the Odier style of Fancy Pelargoniums, with five blotched petals; throat and edge of pure white, each petal shaded towards the center with a rich carmine pink, with a glowing crimson blotch on each petal, of which the upper two are the larger. It belongs to the well-known Lady Washington or Fancy Pelargoniums that are perpetual bloomers, continuing fully seven months in the year. For a winter-blooming window plant it is unsurpassed, flowering freely and abundantly in any ordinary living room. Plants 20 cts. each.

Freddie Heinel - Another new variety similar to above, except the color, which is pure white with a pink blotch in each petal. Those who want something elegant for parlor decoration should have these two magnificent novelties. Plants 20 cents each.

18 ... Specialties and Novelties for 1889.

Double Hollyhocks as Annuals. The Improved Double Hollyhock stands unrivaled; no garden flower is more showy or more admired. The plants are stately in appearance; the flowers brilliant in color and delicate in texture. Why are they not more popular? It is because of the erroneous idea that the plants will not bloom till the second season from seed. Blooming plants can be raised the first year as easily as plants of Zinnia or Marigold. All that is necessary is to start the seeds in a box in the house, or in a hot-bed, in March. When they have produced the second or third true leaf transplant to another box or to a cold-frame. About May first transfer to permanent place in garden where they will produce elegant spikes of flowers in August and September, and thereafter from year to year. Our seed is the very best obtainable.

Double Pure White- Large, clear, pure white flowers about three inches in diameter. They are as handsome as Camelias in cut flower work and are highly valued by florists. Per pkt. 10 cts.

Double Salmon Rose- A greatly improved strain of this handsome shade. Per pkt. 10 cts.

Double Crimson- A large fleld [field?] of these from which our seed was procured made a grand show the past season, and attracted much attention, as did also the above two varieties which were grown on the same place. Per pkt, 10 cts.

Spendid Mixed- An unequaled mixture of 17 Prize Varieties including all colors and shades known. Per pkt. 20 cts.

Fine Mixed- Contains good variety. Pkt. 5c. [5 cts.?] 1 pkt. each of above 5 varieties, 10c [10 cts.?].

Curious Cacti. The enormous demand for these curious and interesting plants has induced us to list them more fully than ever before. We carry a large stock of the leading varieties in our greenhouses. Now that lovers of flowers have learned to appreciate them, every one [everyone] seems to want them, and it is not a matter of wonder, when we take into consideration their low price, free blooming qualities, odd and decorative shapes, and above all the little care they require to keep them blooming and luxuriating. Even when neglected for months, they will, after a good watering, not only begin to grow at once, but often commence to bloom profusely. The perfume of this flower is, in many cases, delicious, and the seed pods of a brilliant coral red, ornamenting the plant for several months after blooming, and as they luxuriate in a warm, dry atmosphere, they are eminently the plants for having in the parlor or sitting-room. Many varieties produce magnificent flowers of the most striking and brilliant colors. Water very sparingly. We have not space to name the varieties, but we are sure all will be pleased with them. Price, 15 cents to $1.00 each; or we will send 10 Cacti, all different, our selection, for $1.00. It will be, of course, understood that these are not the most expensive varieties, neither are they large plants, as the postage alone on some of our Cacti would amount to more than that sum.

[Image: Drawing/Scratchboard Illustration, 17 assorted cacti in pots.]

Cereus Grandiflora- The true Night Blooming Cereus, from the Miter Mountains of Mexico. Has deliciously fragrant white flowers, nearly a foot in diameter. This belongs to the Cactus family. 25 cts. each.

Apios Tuberosa. See Illustration on Cover of Catalogue. This is one of the grandest and most beautiful climbing vines in cultivation. It grows very quickly, and attains a great height, making, with its dense foliage and beautiful flowers, a most attractive screen. In vine and foliage it resembles the common Wistaria. It blooms most profusely, bearing lovely clusters of flowers, possessing a strong, delicious violet fragrance. Plant the bulbs near a trellis, fence, tree or wherever a rapid-growing climber is desired. The bulbs are perfectly hardy and need not be taken up over winter. A vine so sure to grow and give satisfaction should be in every garden, and, having grown a large stock, we offer the tubers at a very low price, so that they can be used liberally. Price, 10 cts. each; 3 for 25 cts.; 6 for 50 cts.; 13 for $1.00.