1896

SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE. 67.

[image] ORIOLE CALENDULA.

ORIOLE.--The extra large double flowers are indescribably rich and glowing in tone, of an intensely bright golden yellow, wonderfully free flowering. Pkt. 10c. FINE MIXED.--Pkt. 3c.

CAMPANULA. SPECULUM.--(Venus' Looking Glass.) Handsome for masses; hardy, free bloomers. Double mixed. Pkt. 5c. CUP AND SAUCER.--A beautiful variety. The bell is nearly four inches in diameter, presenting the form of a saucer, hence its name. The plant is of strong growth, quite as hardy and floriferous as the old blue variety, and is very elegant and handsome when in flower, the blossoms literally hiding the plant. Perennial. Pkt. 10c. MACROSTYLA.--A very curious shaped, handsome large violet flower; remarkably fine. Pkt. 10c.

CANDYTUFT. Universally known and cultivated and considered indispensible for cutting. All the varieties look best in beds or masses; hardy, easy to cultivate, and bloom profusely. Hardy annuals, 1 foot high. SNOW QUEEN.--A new variety from southern Europe, grows rapidly, blooms early and remaining in full flower for about three months. The Snow Queen grows very regularly--each plant being almost an exact counterpart of every other. Valuable for ribbon beds or borders. Pkt. 8c.

[image] SPECULUM CAMPANULA.

[image] CUP AND SAUCER CAMPANULA.

CORONARIA. (Tom Thumb). Dwarf. Pkt. 5c. DUNNET'S CRIMSON.--A Splendid bright crimson. Pkt. 5c. BEST MIXED.--A mixture of all varieties. Pkt. 3c, oz. 40c.

CALEMPELIS. SCABRA.--A handsome vine producing bright orange flowers in great abundance. Pkt. 5c.

CACTUS. FINE MIXED VARIETIES.--Pkt. 15c.

CANARY BIRD FLOWER. One of the most beautiful of climbers, with delicate, finely cut foliage and curious bright yellow flowers resembling the canary bird in shape and color. Pkt. 10c.

CANNA. Fine foliage plants of a highly decorative character; their handsome leaves combined with their varied and richly colored flowers have an extremely fine effect. They are easily raised from seeds which should be soaked in hot water for several hours.

[image] CANARY BIRD FLOWER.

MIXED VARIETIES.--Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. CROZY'S MIXED.--Very large flowering sorts. Choice mixed. Pkt. 10c.

[image] SNOW QUEEN CANDYTUFT.

CANTERBURY BELLS. One of the best known and most popular biennials. Produces an abundance of richly colored bloom. SINGLE MIXED COLORS.--Pkt. 5c. DOUBLE MIXED COLORS.--Pkt. 5c.

CELOSIA. (Cockscomb.) One of the most beautiful flowers that can be grown in the open ground. Produce large, ornamental comb-like heads. For summer beds we know of nothing that will produce as showy and brilliant effects. Can be preserved for winter bouquets by cutting off the heads before they are ripe, and drying in the house.

[image] CANTERBURY BELLS.

GIANT EMPRESS.--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 is the finest and most 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. Pkt. 10c. GOLDEN GLOW.--This is one of the most attractive novelties of the season. Plants large and produce many handsome flowers six to ten inches in diameter and of a most attractive bright, rich golden yellow color, different and more velvety than the yellow in any other flower that we know of. Try it. Pkt. 10c.

GLASGOW PRIZE.--A very fine semi-dwarf variety, with large, brilliant crimson comb and very handsome dark foliage. Specimens grown on our place for seed measured 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Start seeds early. Pkt. 10c. JAPONICA.--A very bright crimson variety, large and finely cut. Pkt. 5c. PYRAMIDALIS PLUMOSA.--A very handsome feathered sort. The entire plant is of perfect pyramidal form if given room for development. Flowers are of all shades of scarlet, crimson, yellow and pink. The stalks and leaves are also beautifully veined. Pkt. 7c. ALL VARIETIES MIXED.--Pkt. 5c.

[image] GIANT EMPRESS CELOSIA.

[image] PYRAMIDALIS PLUMOSA.

CENTROSEMA. GRANDIFLORA.--Absolutely new to cultivation but one of the very best in actual merit. It is a hardy perennial vine of rare and exquisite beauty, which blooms early in June from seed sown in April, and bears in the greatest profusion inverted pea-shaped flowers from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter, and ranging in color from a rosy violet to a reddish purple, with a broad feathered white marking through the center. It will bloom until frost, and if potted will flower freely in the house. One of the most attractive features is the way in which the flowers look up at you in the face. Every imaginative person sees faces in the Pansy, and this is even more suggestive in Centrosema. Therefore "Look at Me," is not a bad name for it. Pkt. 15c.

CACALIA. COCCINEA.--A handsome free flowering little plant owing to the peculiar form of the flower, it is sometimes called Tassel Flower or Flora's Paint Brush. Scarlet. Pkt. 5c.

CINERARIA. HYBRIDA.--Very handsome greenhouse plants; fine mixed. Pkt. 20c. MARITIMA.--Silver-leaved. Pkt. 5c.

CATCHFLY. A very pretty and showy little plant. Mixed colors. Pkt. 2c.

CLEOME. PUNGENS.--(The Giant Spider Plant.) Growing vigorously four or five feet high, flowering profusely and a perpetual bloomer and of a bright rose color. It is also one of the very best honey producing plants. Pkt. 5c.

CLIANTHUS. DAMPEIRI.--A beautiful shrubbery climber, grown mostly under glass, but does well out of doors in summer time. Flowers brilliant scarlet, growing in clusters. Pkt. 15c.

[image] GRANDFLORA CENTROSEMA.

68. IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA.

[image] DOUBLE CENTAUREA.

CENTAUREA. CYANUS.--Called Ragged Sailor, Corn Flower, Blue Bottle, Bachelor's Buttons and Bluet. A very old favorite garden annual, flowering freely in almost any situation; height, 2 to 3 feet. Mixed colors. Pkt. 3c. CYANUS DOUBLE.--A most charming sport from the above, well shown in our illustration. Flowers very large and globular. A continuous bloomer, and becoming quite popular. Our mixture contains a great variety ot colors. Pkt. 10c. MOSCHATA.--(Sweet Sultan.) Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c. MARGUERITE.--All who saw this grand new variety on our trial grounds the past season united in pronouncing it one of the handsomest novelties ever brought out. It is named after the lovely Queen Marguerite of Italy. Plants grow about eighteen inches high and are of the easiest culture. The large flowers are of the purest white, deliciously scented, exquisitely lacinated, and freely produced on long stems which render them invaluable for cutting. The illustration does not do the flower justice, and gives but a faint idea of its exquisite unique beauty. Entirely different from all other flowering plants and sure to attract attention. Pkt. 10c.

[image] COPYRIGHTED 1892 BY W.A.B.&Co. MARGUERITE CENTAUREA.

CARNATION. The finest of the dianthus or pink family; very fragrant. Our seed is unsurpassed. MARGUERITE.--A decided novelty. The plants are of healthy and vigorous growth, and the flowers are produced in the greatest profusion. They run through quite a variety of colors, white, scarlet, carmine, rose, striped, purple, violet, salmon, etc. Seed sown under glass in March and transplanted to the open ground in May will commence flowering in August and will give an endless supply of their beautiful blossoms for a long time. The flowers are exceedingly brilliant in color, and the calyx does not burst. About 80 per cent of the plants will come full double. Pkt. 10c. DOUBLE EXTRA MIXED.--Pkt. 15c. SELFS MIXED.--The one color sorts. Pkt. 10c. PERPETUAL, OR TREE.--Pkt. 25c.

COLEUS. One of the most popular foliage plants. It is very decorative in the flower border, and easily grown from seed, which frequently produces new and distinct varieties. Half hardy perennial. Pkt. 15c.

COCKSCOMB. (See Celosia.)

[image] COLEUS.

COBOEA SCANDENS. One of the most magnificent climbers, prized for its rapid growth (often twenty to thirty feet) and an abundance of beautiful blue flowers. The seed should be planted edgewise in moist earth--a pot or box is best--and water sparingly till plants are two or three inches high. Pkt. 10c. WHITE.--New and elegant. Pkt. 10c.

CHRYSANTHEMUM. One of the prettiest annuals grown. The colors have the appearance of being laid on with a brush, and for this reason they are frequently called "painted daisies," and are indeed charming. Sow seed early in open ground and and they will bloom profusely all summer. NEW DOUBLE ANNUAL.--A valuable and most unique novelty. They are extremely variable and it is impossible to describe the beautiful forms which have been produced, as conveyed by our engraving. A great variety of colors, markings and pencilings. Although mostly very double, there will be an occasional semi-double, or even single, but these are almost equally charming. Pkt. 10c.

[image] CLARKIA.

INDICUM POMPON.--Double mixed. This is the most popular greenhouse variety. Very showy and desirable for fall and early winter blooming. Plants potted in the fall make a continuous bouquet for many weeks. Pkt. 10c. MIXED VARIETIES.--Includes all the best. Pkt. 5c.

CLARKIA. A very desirable hardy annual for bedding purposes; growing freely and blooming profusely in any common garden soil. Fine mixed. Double and single. Pkt. 3c.

COSMOS. A magnificent race of plants growing about 4 feet high, and in fall literally covered with graceful flowers resembling single dahlias, but better for cutting. About 2 inches in diameter; rose, purple, flesh color, and pure white. As a cut flower for vases or personal wear, its grace and beauty is unequaled. Easily raised from seed; if sown early, blooms the first season. All colors mixed. Pkt. 10c.

[image] MARGUERITE CARNATIONS.

CUPHEA. PLATYCENTRA.--(Cigar Plant.) Greenhouse plant, also makes a handsome border. Flowers of bright scarlet, tipped with black and white. Pkt. 15c. PURPUREA.--Fine mixed. Pkt. 5c.

DOLICHOS. LABLAB.--(Hyacinth Bean)--An excellent climber for fences and exposed places; mixed. Pkt. 5c.

DELPHINUM. CHINENSIS.--(Perennial Larkspur). Well known and very desirable border plants, producing their flowers on long spikes. It is one of the best perennials grown. Will bloom first year if sown early out of doors. Eight beautiful colors mixed. Pkt. 5c.

DIGITALIS. Fox Glove. Showy for back grounds and borders, and are beautiful when planted among shrubs. They thrive in any ordinary garden soil. Fine mixed colors. Pkt. 3c.

The Ladies Say. We have used your seed several years and find no others equal to them. Your seed has come to stay. MARY BOYER, Walton, Ky. Seeds received in good shape. Thanks for extras. JENNIE MILLER, Atchison, Kan.

[image] NEW DOUBLE ANNUAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

[image]

IOWA SEED CO'S BRILLIANT COLLECTION 1. American Banner Larkspur... 10 cts 2. Golden Glow Cockscomb... 10 [cts] 3. Giant Flowered Morning Glory... 10 [cts] 4. Rainbow Coleus... 15 [cts] 5. International Mixed Pansy... 25 [cts] 6. Perfected Sweet Peas... 5 [cts]

ONE PACKET OF EACH FOR 35 CTS.

70. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

Brilliant Collection OF FLORAL NOVELTIES FOR 1896. One Packet each of these Six Novelties, amounting to 75 cents, for only 35 cents.

Giant Flowered Morning Glories. With the many new flowers which have been brought out during the past few years and the constant search by seedsmen for novelties, it is really strange that this old favorite has so long been neglected. A specialist has, however, been at work to carefully improve it, and now we offer this mixture of choice, new, large flowering varieties. This includes the renowned "Heavenly Blue," a charming steel blue without any shadings whatever, the striped, blotched and marbled varieties with ground of white, blue of all shades, crimson, rose, blood red, violet, etc. It also contains a small percentage of the new yellow flowering and the "Imperial Japanese." The plants are of vigorous, rapid growth, attaining a height of twenty to thirty feet and quickly forming a dense screen for porches, arbors, etc. Everyone should try them. Per pkt. 10c, 3 for 25c, 1/2 oz. 40c.

International Mixed Pansies. In almost every country in the world there are pansy specialists, notably those of Scotland, Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland. Each have their idea of perfection. This mixture consists of a grand assortment from the world's leading growers, and we have gone to great pains to secure them for our customers. Here will be found the beautiful German pansies, with their rich, soft velvety colors; the lovely striped and mottled pansies from Belgium, which contrast so strongly with all others; the face pansies of England, in which one can almost see the human face, because of their peculiar spottings; the self colors of Switzerland, which are attractive because of their pure coloring; the fancy show pansies of Scotland, of bright contrasting colors and rare spotting, flakeing, feathering and edging; the mammoth pansies of France, which have been grown to the enormous size of four inches in diameter, and are decidedly showy; and also the many choice American strains, which are mainly made up by selecting and crossing the foreign sorts. If you like pansies you must have the International Mixture. Per pkt. 25c, 3 pkts. for 50c, 7 for $1.00.

Perfected Mixed Sweet Peas. Each year Sweet Peas are becoming more popular, and there is good reason to believe that it is the coming flower of the future. The improvements made during the past few years are greater than in any other flower in the entire list, until we have them now to about as near perfection as they can well be brought. We have therefore named this superb strain the Perfected Mixed, and we are sure our customers will be more than pleased with them. They are of the most graceful form, charming color, exquisite fragrance and simple loveliness. The mixture contains all the most choice new varieties, as well as some of the best of the old favorites. One secret in successful Sweet Pea culture is to plant early and deep, not less than four inches. Don't fail to try them this year. Per pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, 1/4 lb. 25c, lb. 85c.

[image] AMERICAN BANNER LARKSPUR.

[image] GIANT FLOWERED MORNING GLORY.

American Banner Larkspur. Our colored illustration does not do justice to this, the handsomest flower in the entire catalogue, and in fact it is impossible for art to portray it in any satisfactory manner. The accompanying illustration presents a single stem, showing how loaded the plants are with flowers. The name American Banner, was given it because it is the only flower we know of which combines the national colors, red, white and blue, in each flower. Plants grow to a height of about two feet, of good, regular shape, with delicate, fern-like foliage, a vigorous grower, and is not injured by dry weather. The plants are fairly loaded with long spikes of double striped and blotched flowers, having the various shades of pink, carmine, dark blue, purple and white, delicately and beautifully blended, sometimes four or five shades on a single floret. The flowers are produced in the greatest profusion, making it one of the finest annuals in cultivation. The flowers can be dried by hanging them with the head downward in a dark closet, and will retain their colors and keep for winter bouquets as well as any everlasting. It is really the most extraordinary novelty ever offered to the flower lovers of the country. Per pkt. 10c, 3 pkts. for 25c.

[image] GOLDEN GLOW COCKSCOMB.

Golden Glow Cockscomb. Thousands of persons last summer visited the place where we have our flower seeds and bulbs grown and many were attracted to this charming novelty which was all aglow with its golden beauty. Plants are about eighteen inches high and produce handsome flowers six to ten inches in diameter and of a most bright, rich golden yellow color, different and more velvety than the yellow in any other flower that we know of. Sometimes the plant has only one large flower, and sometimes quite a number of smaller ones. Every flower lover should try it. Per pkt. 10c.

Rainbow Coleus. Many flower lovers are in the habit of devoting their entire space in the flower garden to plants which produce flowers, entirely neglecting the fancy foliage plants which are such an attraction in the parks of all large cities. To induce more of our customers to try this elegant class of plants we have had our lithographer truly portray a specimen leaf in its natural colors on the accompanying colored plate. This is a greatly improved variety with wonderfully large leaves, which are curled, serrated, fringed and laciniated in a most beautiful manner. There is an almost endless variety of colors and shades which are variegated and marbled in a regally rich and brilliant manner. Some of the leaves are 8 to 12 inches long by nearly as broad. We are sure our customers will be greatly pleased with them. They produce very little seed and therefore the seed will always be expensive, but our packets contain a liberal amount and after the plants are started they are easily propagated by cuttings. Per pkt. 15c, 4 pkts. for 15c.

SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE. 71.

[image] STRIPED CONVOLVULUS.

CONVOLVULUS. Popularly known as Morning Glories. IMPROVED CLIMBING.--(Major)--Everybody knows the common morning glory, but many of the choice new varieties contained in this mixture are indeed rare. It will be found to include the marbled and striped sorts, varieties with marbled and laciniated foliage, the ivy-leaved kinds--in short--the largest variety of morning glories ever offered in one package. Flowers of large size, and plants climb to a height of twenty to forty feet in one season from seed, producing thousands of flowers. Pkt. 7c, oz. 30c. MAJOR STRIPED.--Large, handsome flowers of great beauty. On a white ground they are variously striped and blotched with red, blue and rose. Pkt. 5c. BLACK.--A new color, and surely none could be so odd and unique as black, the rarest color among flowers. It does not differ from the ordinary morning glory in any other respect. The flowers are of large size and freely produced. Pkt. 10c. MAJOR MIXED.--Ordinary mixture. Pkt. 2c, oz. 10c. MINOR.--(Dwarf Morning Glory)--These beautiful bush morning glories grow only about one foot high; the flowers are freely borne, and, if pleasant, remain open all day. The plant spreads with much regularity in all directions, and a bed of them is a beautiful object throughout the summer. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c.

CYPRESS VINE. A beautiful rapid climber, with delicate, dark green feathery foliage, and an abundance of bright, star-shaped scarlet and white blossoms, which in the bright sunshine present a mass of beauty. NEW IVY-LEAVED.--Entirely distinct from all other varieties, both in flowers and foliage. The ivy-like leaves make a dense screen from which the pretty fiery orange-scarlet flowers stand out in countless numbers. It is quick growing and sure to please all who try it. Pkt. 10c.

[image] CYPRESS VINE.

[image] CYCLAMEN.

SCARLET.--Very bright. Pkt. 5c. WHITE.--Pretty in contrast with scarlet. Pkt. 5c. MIXED COLORS.--Pkt. 5c.

CYCLAMEN. PERSICUM.--Oneof the handsomest of greenhouse plants. Foliage is handsomely marked and the flowers beautiful. Seed should be sown under glass in well rotted compost and sand. Tuberous rooted, blooming second year. Best strain. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c.

DAISY. Popular perennials, blooming the first year from seed; very handsome for borders or pots; best double mixed. Pkt. 8c. NEW GIANT SNOWBALL.--A most charming variety of this handsome little flower. It has unusually large, double flowers on very long stems, making it very valuable for cutting. Color, a pure snow white. Don't fail to give this little beauty a fair trial, and it will be sure to please you. Pkt. 15c.

DIAMOND FLOWER. A very pretty little plant covered with numerous small shining flowers. Pkt. 10c.

[image] GIANT SNOWBALL DAISY.

[image] DATURA CORNUCOPIA

DATURA. A large, strong growing plant, with trumpet-shaped flowers, and bearing blooms of large size. CORNUCOPIA.--A magnificent novelty of striking beauty. The plant is of robust habit, about three feet high. The stems, of dark purplish maroon, shine as if varnished. The flowers average eight inches long by five inches across the mouth, are formed of two to three flowers growing one within the other, the interiors being glistening French white, contrasting beautifully with the mottled royal purple exteriors. The flowers are delightfully fragrant. Seeds started early in the house will produce plants that will flower from early summer until frost. Often from 200 to 300 flowers are borne in a season. For specimens in the garden, this novelty is extremely beautiful. Pkt. 10c.

[image] MOURNING PINK.

NIGHTINGALE.--A very profuse large flowering sort of pure satiny white, very handsome flowers four or five inches in diameter and 8 to 10 inches long. Pkt. 10c. DOUBLE VARIETIES MIXED.--Pkt. 5c.

DIANTHUS. The dianthus, or Chinese pink, has long been a great garden favorite. It is, in fact, one of our most useful plants, furnishing abundance of gay and pretty flowers until frozen in with the earth and covered by drifting snows. They live over winter and bloom as well the second year as the first. They are quite as pretty for pot plants in the house as carnations. Indeed, their variety of color is more varied and pretty, while they are freer bloomers. Plants from seed grow and bloom very quickly. We know we are doing our customers a kindness by urging them to plant the dianthus for both garden and pots. MOURNING PINK.--A magnificent new variety, with very double large flowers of a very dark mahogany, almost black, each petal edged with a clear cut margin of pure white. Pkt. 10c. HEDDEWIGI.--Finest selected single mixed. One of the most showy of the pink family. Pkt. 5c.

[image] HEDDEWIGI.