1901

Iowa Seed Company, 14 ... Des Moines, Iowa.

[Left Column] Flower Plant Novelties. This year we offer many valuable novelties in flower plants which have been collected from various parts of the world and thoroughly tested in our own greenhouses and on our trial grounds. Descriptions were carefully made from nature and we are sure all will please our customers. In our general list, on pages 79 to 92, will also be found many valuable novelties in this line. Plant orders should amount to at least 25 cents. You many select plants amounting to $1.20 for $1.00, $2.50 for $2.00, $7.00 for $5.00, postpaid.

Night Blooming Jasmine. World famous, deliciously fragrant Night Blooming Jasmine (or Jessamine) about which poets have sung and over which tourists, in its native land, (Chili) [Chile], have gone into ecstasies and yet how few, comparatively, in our own country have ever seen it. It is of the easiest culture and still somewhat difficult for the ordinary florist to propagate and perhaps this is the reason why they are not better known. It is a plant of strong shrubby growth with handsome glossy green foliage and bears an immense number of small star-shaped flowers. One plant on our place this year has at one time fully 3000 flowers and you can well imagine that it was grand sight, as the plant was about three feet high, and thirty inches in diameter. The delightful fragrance is dispensed only at night and this makes the flowers of great value for ladies' wear. It is specially adapted to house and window culture as it begins to bloom when very small and continues to blossom freely as it becomes larger. Also does well in a partly shaded place. Don't fail to try it, ladies, if you want something nice. It will please you. Each 25c, 3 for 60c.

New Jubilee Rose. One of the finest rose novelties which has ever been introduced. It is a perfectly hardy Hybrid Perpetual, blooming in the fall as well as in the early summer; very vigorous, large, dark green foliage, and branches freely; and blooms most abundantly, three flowers and over on each shoot, the ideal habit for a hardy garden rose. The flowers are very large, reaching 6 inches across under good culture, and they last a long time cut. The buds are long and rounded. The fragrance is strong, delightfully rich and lasting. Color is of most deep rich velvety crimson, glowing warmth of color, hard to describe. The popularity of the rose will be still further enhanced by the introduction of this beautiful novelty. Each 15c. [Image: New Geranium Chameleon]

[Image: Roger Lamberlin]

[Right Column] [Image: Night Blooming Jasmine]

Chameleon Geranium. This charming novelty was first sent out a number of years ago, but owing to its being slow of propagation the stock was nearly lost, and it has not been prominently offered recently. Our stock is not large this year, but we hope to have sufficient to supply the demand. When first introduced it sold at $5.00 per plant. It is what might be called a "sport" or "freak" of nature, as it is quite erratic in its growth as shown by our illustration. Some flowers are red, some white, some pinkish salmon, and some clearly striped with the three colors. Frequently one plant will have on it flowers of all these colos at the same time. Other plants will bloom for months showing only one of the colors, then suddenly change to some other hue. It is a free bloomer, bearing many trusses of large single flowers. The name Chameleon was suggested by its peculiar manner of changing color. Every one who grows Geraniums, and that means almost everybody, should try it. Each 25c.

President Carnot Rose. A magnificent new Hybrid Tea Rose, which we consider one of the daintiest and most charming roses in cultivation. Its color is a soft, creamy fawn, overlaid with the most delicate shade of pink. As the rose expands it discloses a heart of the most exquisite blending of cream and glowing pink imaginable. The shape of the bud is full and pointed, while the rose as it expands seems to grow more and more beautiful, the tinting growing more pronounced as it approaches the center, while the petals curl and expand in a bewildering manner. Its fragrance is delicious, (that is the only word which will do). A vigorous, sturdy grower and free bloomer. Each 15c, 4 for 50c.

The New Hardy Variegated Rose-Roger Lamberlin. One of the most remarkable Roses yet offered. The petals are irregular on the edges like a double Petunia; the color is glowing crimson throughout except the edges of the petals, which are all distinctly marked with a white band, forming a sharp contrast and the most unique combination of colors known in Roses. The growth is free and vigorous, and the fragrance is delightful, equal to the finest of the hardy Roses. This is a "novelty" of the most striking order. Each 20c, 3 for 50c.

Variegated Sweet Alyssum. A charming little novelty, the flower having all the sweet grace and beauty of the common Sweet Alyssum, being pure white and produced in numerous spikes which cover the plant. Quite fragrant. It has the further advantage of beautifully variegated green and white foliage and is attractive at all times for borders, bedding or pot culture. Each 10c, doz. 90c.

Princess Pauline Ageratum. A most distinct and novel variety of dwarf compact habit, rarely exceeding five inches in height, its peculiarity being that both colors, blue and white, are combined in the same flower. This pretty variegation gives the flower a most charming appearance, and it is one of the most distinct and beautiful new bedding plants now on the market. It is free flowering the entire season and very bright and pretty. Each 10c.

Russelia Juncea. A rare plant, suitable either for garden or pot culture, and requiring the same treatment as a geranium. It produces numerous long, wiry stems and upon these stems and branches the flowers are borne, which are long, trumpet-shaped, brilliant scarlet in color, and borne in wonderful profusion during most of the year, A magnificent novelty which will please those who admire trailing plants. Each 15c. [Image: Variegated Sweet Alyssum.]

Iowa Seed Company, 15 ... Des Moines, Iowa.

[Left Column] Alaska Carnation. This variety is beyond doubt the most beautiful white variety in existence. Our cut shows its peculiar form. As will be noticed the petals are fringed in a delicately regular manner and curves inwards thus helping the large double flower to appear still more double. The flower is of enormous size, perfect form, has good firm calyx and is of pure snowy white. Blooms freely. Is also of special value for winter blooming in the house. A strong, vigorous, erect grower and promises to become very popular. Each 15c.

Black Calla. - (Solomon's Lily.) This is the wonderful Black Lily of Palestine. The flowers are large sometimes a foot long and of velvety black. The bulbs are from near Jerusalem, making each one a souvenir of the Holy Land. Each 30c.

Carex Japonica. A first class novelty and an excellent plant for house and table decorations; forms a mass of erect-growing, fine spray-like foliage, drooping gracefully from the center; The delicate dark green leaves are beautifully edged, as with a band of gold. Each 15c.

Clara Bedman Salvia. A dwarf, early and very free blooming variety, the plants appearing to be almost completely hidden by the mass of brilliant scarlet flowers. Fine for rows or borders. Each 10c.

Crape Myrtle. A handsome free flowering half-hardy shrub from India. The flowers are of very curious shape and about two inches in diameter. Color rich pink. Each 15c.

Double New Life Geranium. A great novelty in the plant line. The sensation which the Single New Life Geranium created when introduced in England is well remembered. The Double New Life, as may be judged from our illustration, is a much greater sensational departure in every way. The outer florets are large of a brilliant red. In the center of these appears another semi-double floret, a pure white in color, effecting a very charming contrast, difficult to realize unless seen, and having the appearance of being produced artificially. This very novel geranium was lately sent out in England by [sub?]scription at a fabulous price. Last year it was almost impossible to supply the demand. Don't fail to have it if you like rare, beautiful flowers. Each 15c.

Ampelopsis Sauli A novelty in the Ampelopsis, which is a much more rapid grower than almost any other sort and has handsome foliage, but we do not think it will prove as hardy for the far north. It is very desirable. Each 35 cts.

Glorie 'de Lor-Raine Begonia. This grand variety makes graceful plants about one foot high, foliage regular and of bright green; the plant is loaded with rose-colored flowers of great beauty, remaining for many weeks without fading and borne in large dropping panicles. It flowers from October to May in greenhouse, or sitting room window. Each 35c. [Image: Double New Life Geranium]

This Bouvardia Is a Beauty. Try it. [Image: Alfred Neuner Bouvardia.]

[Right Column] [Image: Alaska Carnation.]

Lion's Tail. A strong vigorous plant which bears numerous curious flowers in the winter. Each 15c.

Ponderosa or American Wonder Lemon. A novelty which has been largely advertised in the east and it is really a desirable pot plant of tropical appearance and bearing profusely, the immense fruit, weighing sometimes 3 to 4 pounds each, or about ten times as large as an ordinary lemon. It is a true ever-bearing sort, a good sized plant showing fruit in all stages of development, from the open flower to ripe lemons. Blossoms are waxy white like a tuberose and as fragrant as orange blossoms. Wonderfully attractive. Each 20c.

Paris Daisies. White.-A French improvement on the old White Marguerite which has for years been so popular. Is of much larger size and will produce ten times as many flowers. Each 10c. Yellow.-Similar to the above, but of a very pretty canary yellow color. Blooms freely and continously if flowers are cut frequently. Each 10c. Blue.-A strikingly beautiful flowering plant, producing an abundance of clear sky blue flowers. Plants are fairly loaded with the flowers which are very desirable for cutting. Each 10c.

Resurrection Plant. A curiosity. Looks like a ball of dried moss, but when dropped into a bowl of tepid water, it quickly opens out into a beautiful fern-like plant. Each 10c, 3 for 25c.

Alfred Neuner Bouvardia. This magnificent and showy plant is the ideal Bouvardia. It is a stout, erect, strong grower, making charming shaped plants, producing great clusters of the most beautiful, waxy, double, pure white flowers, resembling bunches of miniature tuberoses. It blooms well during the summer beginning early in July but its greatest value is for winter flowering. Some consider it the best of all winter blooming plants. They are quite rare and will attract attention anywhere. Each 20c.

We Ship Plants Everywhere.--The plants arrived by mail to-day in good condition.--Pedro D. L. Santos, Saltillo, Mexico. Plants came in fine condition.--Mrs. R. S. Chaffee, Springfield, Mass. Plants received in perfect order and I am much pleased with them. - Wm. H. Foss, South Berwick, Maine.

Iowa Seed Company, 16 ... Des Moines, Iowa.

[Left Column]

[Image: Grevillea, or Silk Oak.]

[Image: Bryophyllum]

[Image: Double Nasturtium.]

[Image: Baby Primrose.]

[Middle Column] Grevillea, or Silk Oak. One of the quickest growing of ornamental house plants. It is easy to manage, grows rapidly and is pretty in all its stages of growth. With its long, drooping, silky foliage, it reminds one of a palm or fern. The young growths are of a light bronze color, the tops being covered with a soft down, closely resembling raw silk. Each 15c.

Araucaria Excelsa. This beautiful plant resembles the pine somewhat in appearance, though much finer in texture, and is particularly adapted to table decoration. It is most unique in appearance. Its deep green feathery foliage arranged in whorls, rising one above the other at regular distances makes it a plant of rare value for house or conservatory decoration. Must be sent by express, too large to mail. Each $1.00, $2.00, and $3.00.

Golden Leaved Honeysuckle. A remarkably pretty little vine bearing a great number of sprays of the most perfect little leaves that are covered with a net-work of gold and green, often marked with pink also. The gold deepens at the tip of the sprays and there is nothing finer to combine with corsage bouquets, while for trimming floral baskets they are the finest thing we know of. A strong grower with white blossoms. A unique vine. Each 10c.

Bryophyllum. (Sprouting Leaf.) One of the most curious plants it has ever been our privilege to grow. The leaves are thick and heavy. When cut and placed in moist soil little plants start from the notches in them, and make very strong plants in a very short time. When in bloom it presents a very odd and interesting appearance; first, long, green, red-striped pods are formed, through this breaks a pointed tube of a dull red shade. The blooms are produced in great profusion. Each 15c.

Countless Louise Erdody Begonia. This variety is sometimes called "Snail Begonia" on account of the peculiar formation of the leaves. The form is exceedingly odd and unique. The striking peculiarity which distinguishes it from all other Begonias consists in the fact that the two lobes at the base of the leaf do not grow side by side, but one of them winds in a spiral like way until in a full grown leaf there are four of these twists lying on top of the leaf nearly two inches high. The leaf has a metallic lustre, dark silvery in the center shading into coppery rose toward the margin, which is broadly and evenly edged with the same hue, but darker and more brilliant. Very curious. Each 25c.

New Variegated Myrtle. Every one knows and loves the old fashioned Myrtle with its dark green leaves and vine forming a carpet. It has always been a favorite for cemetery planting and its bright blue flowers peek up to say "good morning" to the passerby. This charming new variety has the same characteristics, but the foliage is beautifully variegated with pure white, thus making it very showy and "taking." It is the plant of plants for cemetery use, and bound to be a favorite. A decided novelty, for which, if they had it, eastern florists would doubtless ask 50c, but we have propagated a good stock and offer plants at 15 cts. each, doz. $1.25.

Double Nasturtium. Did you ever see one? Very few people have, but we have a fine lot of them this year and are offering them at a low price. It is a most charming novelty which is really difficult to properly describe. The flowers are large and fully double like a Camelia or Rose which gives them a very different appearance from any others. They have a rich spicy fragrance and are of a rich dark orange crimson with shading of deep mahogany red. It is not a "freak" with a few small insignificant flowers, but a really good double flower, 2 to 2 1/2 inches across, which will instantly attract the attention of every one who sees them. Plant is a strong vigorous grower of climbing habit, and fine for trellises, window boxes, vases, etc. It is a constant bloomer all summer and fall, and if taken in the house is an excellent winter bloomer also. Never produces seed. Our cut was made from a flower left on the plant out doors very late in the season and does not do justice to it as the flower is usually so double that the petals lay flat and overlap each other. Each 15c, 4 for 50c.

Chenille Plant.--(Acalypha Sanderii.) A most striking ornamental plant. It is a native of the South Sea Islands, of rapid growth and blooms continuously. The plant is of branching habit, healthy foliage and the flower spikes which appear in pairs from the axils of the leaves, grow from two to three feet in length. They are of bright crimson color, drooping and mixing among the green foliage with charming effect. It will be extensively used as a pot plant. You will find it a most unique and sensational bedding plant on the lawn or borders. Do not plant too close together or too near others or its striking effect will be lessened. Can be lifted in the fall and will make a fine show in the house during the winter. We offer strong, well established plants at 25c each, 5 for $1.00.

The Baby Primrose.--(Primula Forbesi.) It is a wonderfully free-blooming plant, commencing to flower as soon as born. It forms a dense rosette of somewhat fleshy leaves, from which spring the flowering stems, twelve, fifteen and even twenty inches tall, supporting three tiers of whorls of dainty flowers of a delicate rosy-lilac, with eye of pale gold. The flowers are not more than a half an inch in diameter, but they are produced in such great abundance that a few plants present a dense mass of bloom from September until June. As a pot plant it cannot be surpassed, as it is a vigorous grower and thrives either in shade or sunshine. Each 10c.

Aureole Geranium. Mad. Bruant. -- A fancy flowered sort, remarkable colors, quite distinct and almost startling in effect, no other variety equaling it for bedding. Plant is loaded with blooms and each floret is large, center being white, beautifully veined with carmine lake, radiating into handsome aureole, each petal being bordered with bright solferino. A fine pot plant and constant bloomer. Ea. 15c.

[Right Column]

[Image: Araucaria.]

[Image: Louise Erdody Begonia.]

[Image: Chenille Plant.]

[Image: Aureole Geranium.]

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

[Left Column] [Image: New Abutilon "Savitzi"]

Abutilon Savitzi. One of the most beautiful new variegated-leaved plants in existence. Its large, maple-like leaves are almost white, being blotched here and there only with clear, bright green, a most charming contrast, heightened still more by the very large, orange, bell-shaped flowers with which the plant is always covered. This is one of our best novelties, both for a pot plant in the house and for bedding out, as it retains its variegation in the hotest [hottest] sun. It is most admirably adapted as a border for Cannas, Geraniums and other taller growing plants. Each 15c, 4 for 50c.

Peachblow Hibiscus. This is one of the finest free flowering plant novelties offered in recent years. It is a "sport" from the double red Hibiscus Rosea-Sinensis; the flowers are double and from four to five inches in diameter; of a charming, rich clear pink color, with a small deep crimson center; an entirely new and most beautiful shade. It blooms abundantly and continuously even on small plants during the entire summer and fall months; may be easily wintered in the house. Large plants, two or three years old, make a magnificent show. It will give great satisfaction to all who grow it, either in pots or planted out in the garden. It is a good winter bloomer. Each 20c.

Plumbago Capensis. No plant in our greenhouse has caused more exclamations of delight than these beautiful heavenly blue Plumbagos. They are most excellent pot plants, flowering freely at all times of the year. South of Central Missouri they are hardy in the open ground, and make desirable garden plants. Flowers are borne in large clusters and are exceedingly beautiful in color. They are of very easy culture, growing in any situation as freely as Geraniums. In fact few pot plants can be found that will prove so easy to manage, and furnish such an abundance of exceedingly handsome flowers[.] They are of a rare shade of light azure blue. Each 10c.

Lady Larpent Plumbago. This beautiful variety has pleased all who have planted it and it has achieved great popularity. It is unquestionably one of the most distinct and valuable hardy herbaceous plants now in cultivation. The plants are strong, upright in habit, growing to a height of twelve to fifteen inches in compact clumps, and from the middle of July until severe frost are covered with lovely rich violet blue-colored flowers, borne in close terminal heads. The foliage is finely serrated and fringing the stems. Each 10c.

[Image: Blue Beauty Geranium.] Blue Beauty Geranium. Great Novelty and a new Color. Each year we import many European novelties for testing on our trial grounds and among others we received a number of new geraniums some of which were unnamed[.] We were surprised to find among the number a new color heretofore unknown in geraniums, being of a most beautiful violet or purplish crimson with a blue sheen over the surface. The flower is double and the three upper outside petals have a spot of clear vermilion near the base which makes the flower more brilliant. Out of one hundred varieties of geraniums on our place this year there was none which approached it in color. It is a vigorous grower and free bloomer even during the dryest [driest] summer weather. The blue tint shows better after flower is fully out. Each 25c.

[Image: Unique Lily of the Valley.] Unique Lily of the Valley. When on our annual trip among our seed growers we noticed in an out-of-the-way place a cluster of Lily of the Valley which was of most beautiful and unique appearance. The flowers were as large and fully as numerous as any other variety, while the leaves are dark green handsomely striped with broad bands of pure white. Lily of the Valley is one of the most beautiful flowers in existence and would be very popular were it not that they are in bloom for such a short time and during the balance of the year the bed is not very ornamental. This new variety makes a charming bed at all seasons of the year. Each 10c, per doz. $1.00.

Anthericum Picturatum. One of the finest decorative plants for vases or baskets and as a pot plant it will enrich any collection. The long leaves are deep green broadly striped with pure white thus giving it a splendid effect. It is a strong, vigorous, rapid grower and bears many long spikes of small, star-like flowers which are very pretty and attractive. Sometimes small plants will be produced on these flower stems which subsist mainly on the moisture in the atmosphere and this gives the plant a peculiar and unique appearance. Each 15c.

[Right Column] [Image: Peachblow Hibiscus.] Pansies. Our plants are strong and well grown from choice seed. All varieties mixed. Doz. 35c, 3 doz. $1.00.

Royal Exhibition Pansies. The plants here offered are grown from our own choicest strain of seed procured from the world's greatest Pansy specialists and for size of bloom, richness of coloring and texture will be found unapproached by any other strain. Extra strong plants, wintered over from last fall, 60c per doz., 3 doz. for $1.50.

Crimson Velvet Plant. (Gynura Aurantiaca.) This is one of the rarest and most beautiful foliage plants in cultivation. Of very robust and branching growth, yet remains dwarf and compact. The leaves and stems are entirely covered with minute hairs, which reflect the new and beautiful shades of colors--such as orange, crimson, purple, blue, green--a veritable kaleidoscope, changing its hues with every movement of the foliage, which appears thick and long lasting. It is so strangely beautiful that flowers seem superfluous, yet they are produced in brilliant orange clusters. Desirable for pot culture, vases or bedding. Each 25c.

[Image the reads Anthericum Picturatum]

Iowa Seed Company, 18 ... Des Moines, Iowa.

[Left Column] [Image: New Double Abutilon.]

Weeping Lantana. Our illustration gives some idea of this charming New Weeping Lantana when planted in baskets, vases or pots, for which it is particularly recommended; but it is, if possible, more beautiful still when bedded out. The plant is a neat, handsome grower, producing a great abundance of leafy vines, which cover the ground with their pretty foliage, and bear such an immense profusion of lovely, clear pink flowers that the whole bed seems a sheet of rosy bloom from early summer till late fall. The flowers are borne in elegant clusters. Each 15c.

Egyptian Papyrus. This fine plant which is frequently called the "Egyptian Paper Plant," is decidedly the most elegant, graceful and stately of all the decorative reeds. It is an aquatic in its native country, growing in low, swampy ground or shallow water, but it does well with ordinary culture. It somewhat resembles the Cyperus or Umbrella Palm, but the stems are crowned with tufts of fine grass-like foliage which droops gracefully around the stem. Each 15c, 4 for [illegible]0c.

Pheasants Breast Aloe A truly valuable decorative plant of very slow growth and will always bring a high price. Frequently sells at $3.00 to $10.00 each. We offer nice plants in two sizes at 25c and 75c each postpaid.

The Boston Fern. -- Nephrolepis Bostoniensis. This is a wonderfully healthy, rapid growing and graceful house plant. It has been in great demand every where. Many people buy it in preference to the finest Palms or Rubber Plants. Its long, broad fronds are more graceful than the old Sword Fern and seem to grow faster. Thrives in all rooms, gas or furnace heat do not seem to injure it. It is one of the most beautiful and useful of house plants. It is of easy culture and its sword-like fronds, on large specimens, attain a length of five to six feet, produced in a bewildering mass, arching, curving, and interlacing in every conceivable direction. Each 15c.

[Image: The Boston Fern]

Wm. Langguth Geranium. This new silver-leaved geranium is one of the handsomest varieties which has been brought out for many years. The plant is of short stocky growth, and the beautiful deep green leaves are bordered with a broad, pure snow white band, so that it is handsome even when not in bloom. It is however the most free-flowering of any fancy foliaged variety and, just think of it, the flowers are double, and this makes it a decided novelty. Clusters are extra large and of bright red color, shows magnificently against the white foliage. Each 25c, 3 for 60c.

[Middle Column] New Double Abutilon. Our cut well shows a leaf and flower of the new double flowering (Thompsonii plena) Abutilon. Instead of a single bell-shaped bloom like all other kinds this has a perfectly double flower resembling a double hollyhock in form and of rich deep orange color shaded and streaked with crimson. Foliage handsomely variegated. It is a very attractive plant which should be in every collection and we recommend it highly. Each 15c.

Asparagus Sprengeri. Also called Emerald Feather and Abyssinian Parlor Fern. This is considered one of the handsomest and most valuable plants for house and conservatory culture ever introduced. It is especially desirable for pots, vases, baskets, etc.; covering all with its beautiful sprays of lovely green, feathery foliage, which can be cut freely, and are very useful for bouquets, wreaths, and all kinds of floral decoration. It makes a charming ornamental plant for the window or conservatory in winter, and is equally as valuable for vases, baskets and porch boxes in summer. It is a strong, vigorous plant, very easily grown, requires but little care, bears cutting well, and keeps on growing fresh and green the whole year. White, delicately scented flowers. Each 15c.

[Image that reads: Spray one fourth natural size weeping lantana]

[Right Column] [Image: Asparagus Sprengerl.] Royal Purple Strobilanthe. An excellent bedding plant as well as a beautiful foliage plant for pot culture. It forms a compact bush 18 inches high, with leaves 6 to 9 inches long; of a beautiful, metallic purple, shading into light rose, with a light green margin, a combination unapproached by any other plant. The flowers are violet blue, borne in immense racemes. Each 15c.

Peppermint Geranium. This is a rare variety of scented geranium, and in fact few would think that it belonged to this class of plants. Plant is of trailing, spreading habit, soon covering a large space. Leaves large, thick, velvety and have an appearance as if covered with minute hairs of grayish green color. Has a refreshing peppermint fragrance. Every one will be pleased with it. Each 25c.

Musk Plant. Many persons are fond of the musk odor though it is not as much used for perfume as it was 25 years ago. This is the true Musk Plant and has a refreshing, delightful fragrance which becomes quite strong and pervading when the leaves are rubbed. It is a pretty little plant and of much value for pot culture and bedding. Flowers yellow. Each 10c[.]

[Image: Wm. Langguth Geranium]