1906

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 59.

[image] I LOVE FLOWERS, DON'T YOU?

FLOWER SEEDS. Our floral beauties come in for their full share of attention, and aside from our seed farm, we have twelve acres of land right in the city, convenient to the street cars, devoted exclusively to flowers. Here we grow thousands of varieties and have in our employ experienced specialists in this line, who, under our supervision, attend to growing whatever can be grown to advantage in this country, test all novelties offered in this country or Europe, and are constantly trying by selection and hybridization, to improve the leading varieties, and make our Choice Iowa Flower Seeds just what we are striving for--the best in the world. We invite all our Customers to call and see this Floral Exhibition whenever they are in the city. Even during the winter the large green houses on these grounds are a revelation of beauty which surprises everyone. Don't fail to notice also the novelties listed on the colored pages of this book. Our flower seeds are all fresh and we know they are unsurpassed. Quality is always the first consideration. Our mixtures are mainly made up by ourselves from named varieties, or from growing a large number of the best named varieties together, and will yield a better assortment than is commonly found. This year we list all the varieties alphabetically together--annuals, perennials, climbers, etc., but we mention in the description the class they belong to if they are not annuals. This will make it easier to find any sort named. DIRECTIONS FOR SOWING, ETC.--To insure [ensure] success the conditions and requirements of the several species as to soil, moisture, heat, etc., should be studied and then observed in culture. Below we give a few general directions for their culture, though more complete directions will be found printed on the seed packets. The soil best adapted to most flowers is light, rich loam, containing enough sand to make it porous. If there is some clay with it the colors will be brighter. Make the surface as smooth and fine as possible, sow seeds in rows, covering each sort of seed in proportion to its size (a good general rule being to cover twice the diameter of the seed) and press the soil down firmly over it. Do not plant any seeds when the ground is wet. Many varieties, such as pansy, verbena, daisy, hollyhock and the fine greenhouse plant seeds, should be sown early in shallow boxes in the house, in soil consisting of equal parts of fine sand and rich, mellow loam well mixed together and sifted to remove all gravel and lumps. Sow as before directed. Covering the box with glass helps to retain the moisture and keeps the temperature even. Be careful not to keep too wet, and when large enough to handle, transplant to boxes from 1 to 2 inches apart to remain until put in permanent beds. DISCOUNTS.--In spite of our very low prices by the packet, we still offer flower seeds in packets only, to the amount of $1.25 for $1.00. This discount does not apply to collections of seeds, nor to seeds by weight or measure. All flower seeds are sent free by mail on receipt of price.

ARABIS.--Alpina.--Early blooming. Useful for rock work. Flowers pure white. Hardy perennial. Pkt. 10c.

[image] SNOWBALL ASTER.

ASTERS.--The numerous forms of the aster, and the now great variety of rich colors of its perfectly double flowers make it a leading favorite. For a summer and fall display it has no equal. Sow seed early and give deep, rich soil and plenty of mulching. Snowball.--Flowers are of refined and faultless form; pure white; beautifully imbricated and freely produced, 30 flowers being frequently borne on a single plant. Pkt. 10c. Perfection Mixed.--(Truffant's Improved Paeony Flowered.)--A favorite, flowers large and almost perfectly round, incurved petals; height 18 inches to 2 feet. Pkt. 5c. Crown.--Center of each flower is white, surrounded by a broad margin of color, such as crimson, rose, violet, etc.; flowers large, beautiful and showy; mixed colors. Pkt. 5c. Giant Comet Mixed.--The flowers are from 3½ to 4½ inches in diameter, perfectly double, many handsome colors mixed. Pkt. 10c. Golden Ball--The long-sought novelty--a yellow aster. Pkt. 10c. Victoria.--A magnificent sort, 20 inches high; free bloomer; large; brilliant colors mixed. Pkt. 10c. Dwarf Bouquet.--Very fine. Each plant forms a bouquet. Pkt. 5c. Single Flowering Mixed.--Bearing a mass of star-shaped flowers. Pkt. 5c. Washington.--Largest in cultivation, flowers often 5 in. across, mixed colors. Pkt. 10c. Harlequin.--Oddly spotted and striped very double flowers of red and blue. Pkt. 10c. Christmas Tree.--One of the most popular European novelties; of pyramidal shape, usually covered with 70 to 100 flowers. Mixed colors. Pkt. 10c. Semple's Branching.--Useful for cut flowers. The flowers are very large and double, borne on large, stiff stems and colors are clear and handsome. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c. Daybreak.--A beautiful aster, round as a ball, color sea-shell pink, very early. Pkt. 10c. Betteridge's Quilled.--Perfectly double tube or quill shaped petals; valuable for bouquets and bedding. Mixed colors. Pkt. 3c.

[image] ANTIRRHINUM.

All Kinds Mixed.--Pkt. 5c. Royal Mixed--A very choice selection of all the best sorts. No second grades. Pkt. 10c. Dwarf Mixed.--A splendid assortment of the best dwarf growing varieties. Pkt. 10c. Perennial Mixed.--Single flowering, hardy, herbaceous plants. If sown early will flower first season. Pkt. 5c. ANTIRRHINUM.--(Snapdragon.)--One of the most beautiful and useful border plants, blooming profusely the first season from seed and continuously until after frost. Giant Flowered.--A most beautiful new class having all the finest colors and markings known in the old varieties and several new ones. The flowers are of immense size and produced in long spikes which follow each other in a constant succession of bloom. It is a perpetual bloomer, sending up flower spikes by the dozen, one to two feet in length, almost as large and beautiful as gladiolus. Pkt. 10c. Mixed Varieties.--The older sorts. Pkt. 3c. AGERATUM.--Mexicanum.--Desirable for bouquets; produces many blue flowers and blooms a long time; largely used by florists; start seeds early. Pkt. 4c. Albiflorum.--Like above only white. Pkt. 8c.

ABRONIA.--Umbellata.--Trailing habit similar to verbenas, bearing clusters of sweet-scented flowers. Effective for bedding in masses, and very desirable for rockwork and hanging baskets. Rose color. Pkt. 3c. BALSAM--One of the most beautiful of our annuals. The flowers are most brilliantly colored, very large and double; rich colors, ranging from white to dark crimson. Peerless Mixed.--Made up from the best foreign and American strains. Flowers are double and of all known colors, plants loaded with hundreds of flowers. Pkt. 10c. Camelia Flowered Mixed.--Very double, of unusual size, perfect shape, and our mixture contains all the best colors. You will be pleased with it. Pkt. 5c. All Varieties Mixed.--A nice mixture of the older sorts. Pkt. 4c, oz. 25c. BLUE BELLS.--Beautiful bell shaped bright blue flowers. Hardy perennial. Pkt. 10c.

[image] COPYRIGHTED BY VILMORIN-ANDRIEUX & CO 1895 PEERLESS MIXED BALSAMS.

YOU WILL BE INTERESTED IN OUR FLOWER PLANT DEPARTMENT.

60. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] GIANT EMPRESS CANDYTUFT.

ALYSSUM--Sweet.--Pretty little white flowers, useful for bouquets and borders. Pkt. 3c. Little Gem.--Very dwarf and compact, making a mass of white flowers. Pkt. 5c. ASPERULA.--Azurea Setosa.--Light blue fragrant flowers. Pkt. 5c. AMOBIUM.--Alatum Grandiflorum.--A pretty everlasting, double white flower. Pkt. 4c. AMPELOPSIS.--Veitchii.--(Boston Ivy.)--Pkt. 5c. ACROCLINIUM.--Mixed Colors.--An everlasting bearing large double flowers. Pkt. 3c. ABUTILON.--Mixed Colors.--Beautiful bell-shaped flowers of various colors. Pkt. 10c. ADLUMIA.--Cirrhosa.--A hardy perennial vine with fern-like foliage and pretty flesh-colored blossoms. Pkt. 10c. AQUILEGIA.--Chrysantha.--(Columbia.)--A hardy perennial; large, beautiful canary yellow flowers. Pkt. 5c. Coerulea.--Violet blue and white. Pkt. 7c. Double Mixed.--Pkt. 5c. AGROSTEMMA.--Coeli Rosa.--Deep rose color. Fine for bouquets. Pkt. 3c. Alba.--White; fine for cemetery. Pkt. 5c. AMARANTHUS.--A handsome foliaged plant of many colors. Tricolor.--Leaves yellow, red and green; well known as "Joseph's Coat." Pkt. 3c. Salicifolius.--Known as "Fountain Plant." Pkt. 7c. Caudatus.--(Love Lies Bleeding.)--Producing long, drooping chains of brilliant colored flowers. Pkt. 5c. Mixed Varieties.--Pkt. 5c.

[image] EARLY DAWN COSMOS.

CANDYTUFT.--Considered indispensible [indispensable] for cutting, and looks best in beds or masses; hardy, easy to cultivate, and blooms profusely; one foot in height. Giant Empress.--One of the finest varieties in cultivation, of very branching habit, and when fully grown and covered with its pure white flowers resembles a floral candelabra. Pkt. 7c. Snow Queen.--An extra fine dwarf pure white variety, grows rapidly, remaining in full flower for about three months. Pkt. 5c. Best Mixed.--A mixture of all varieties and colors. Pkt. 3c, oz. 40c. Semper Virens.--Profuse white blooming perennials adapted for rockeries, baskets, etc. Flowers early. Pkt. 10c. CANARY BIRD FLOWER.--One of the most beautiful climbers with delicate finely cut foliage and curious bright yellow flowers resembling the canary bird in shape and color. Pkt. 5c. 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. CANNA.--Unquestionably one of the finest of bedding plants. Their handsome leaves combined with their varied and richly colored flowers have an extremely fine effect. Seeds should be soaked in hot water for several hours. Fancy Large Flowered.--This is a very large flowering strain of dwarf, compact growth. They flower freely and the first year from seed. Our seed is a mixture of the finest varieties. Pkt. 5c, oz. 25c. CARNATION.--The finest of the dianthus or pink family; very fragrant. Our seed is unsurpassed. Double Extra Mixed--Best greenhouse varieties. Pkt. 10c.

CLARKIA.--Mixed Colors.--Blooms freely during the summer. Pkt. 3c. CONVOLVULUS.--Minor.--(Dwarf Morning Glory.)--Showy flowers for bedding. Pkt. 5c.

[image] NEW FANCY CANNAS.

COSMOS.--Early Dawn Mixed.--Introduced by us several years ago, and it jumped at once into popularity on account of its extreme earliness. The plants have fine, feathery, light green foliage and delicate rose, purple white and lilac flowers. Free bloomer of easiest culture. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c. Mammoth Perfection.--Flowers double the size of the old large flowering cosmos, measuring from 12 to 15 inches in circumference; flowers white, pink or crimson. Seed should be sown early in the house, as they are quite late. Pkt. 7c. BEGONIA--Seeds very small, almost microscopic and should be sown on top of the soil. Cover box with glass; give partial shade until up. Vernon.--Fine for outdooor [outdoor] bedding. Pkt. 10c. Rex.--The king of begonias. Pkt. 25c. Tuberous Rooted.--Fine for summer bedding. Pkt. 15c. Mixed Varieties.--Pkt. 10c. BALLOON VINE.--A pretty, rapid growing climber, succeeding best in a warm situation. Flowers white. Pkt. 5c. BROWALLIA.--Grandiflora.--This new sort is without doubt the most beautiful of all the Browallias, covered with an abundance of delightfully large sky-blue flowers. Pkt. 10c. BRACHYCOME.--Mixed Colors.--Pretty low-growing plants, covered in summer with a profusion of cineraria-like blue and white flowers. Half hardy. Pkt. 5c. BRYONOPSIS.--Beautiful summer climber with palmate leaves; yellow flowers, followed by pretty, cherry-like, green fruits, which change to bright scarlet marbled with white. Pkt. 5c. CELOSIA.--Giant Empress.--Very handsome; excite the curiosity of visitors more than any plant that can be grown. Measures over 12 inches in breadth; very bright purple combs and dark bronze foliage. Pkt. 10c.

[image] MARGUERITE CARNATIONS.

Marguerite--These lovely, fragrant flowers are in full bloom in about four months after sowing the seed. The plants succeed alike in the open garden or in pots. The flowers are of high type, exquisitely sweet, fully 80 per cent perfectly double. The range of color, marking, variegations and shadings are wonderful. Pkt. 5c. CALLIOPSIS, (or Coreopsis).--Golden Wave.--Plant very bushy and compact, reaching two feet in height, and covered from July to October with hundreds of beautiful golden blossoms, two inches in diameter with small dark centers. It is indeed a wave of gold. Pkt. 5c. New Double.--A charming novelty, blooms freely and will please everyone. Pkt. 10c. Lanceolata.--(New Golden Coreopsis.)--One of the most showy hardy perennials grown, forming tall plants two or three feet high, and bearing in great profusion large flowers of golden yellow. Pkt. 8c. Mixed Colors.--Produces flowers in nearly every shade of yellow, orange, crimson and brown. Pkt. 3c. CHRYSANTHEMUMS.--The annual Chrysanthemums listed below are altogether different from the large-flowered perennial varieties grown by florists. Chameleon.--New and distinct annual variety producing large single flowers, beautifully encircled with purple, black, crimson, yellow and copper. Pkt. 8c. Double Annual.--A valuable and most unique novelty. A great variety of colors, markings and pencilings. Very double, semi-double or single, but these are almost equally charming. Pkt. 5c. Penennial [Perennial] Mixed.--The popular greenhouse variety. Very showy and dersirable [desirable] for fall and early winter blooming. Sow seeds early. Pkt. 10c.

Ostrich Feather.--Crimson. Pkt. 10c. All Varieties Mixed.--Pkt. 5c.

[image] CALIOPSIS, GOLDEN WAVE.

A MILLION BEDDING PLANTS--HUNDRED OF VARIETIES AT LOW PRICES. SEE LIST.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 61.

[image] NEW DOUBLE FIREBALL DIANTHUS.

CALENDULA.--Fine Mixed.--Belongs to the well known marigold family. Many nice varieties and when planted together make a showy bed. Pkt. 3c. COBOEA, SCANDENS.--Magnificent climber, of rapid growth and beautiful blue flowers. The seed should be planted edgewise. Pkt. 10c. CURIOUS CACTI.--The seed we furnish is collected from the choicest varieties. Easily grown from seed planted in a box of clean sand. Pkt. 10c. DAHLIAS.--New Tom Thumb.--Showy single flowers of many colors. Pkt. 7c. Double Mixed.--Our seed is of the finest strain, and produces magnificent, large, very double flowers of the richest shades. If the seed is sown early in the spring they will bloom the first year. Pkt. 8c. DOLICHOS.--(Hyacinth Bean.)--Mixed Colors.--A rapid growing annual climber, flowering freely in clusters, followed by ornamental pods. Fine for arbors or porches. Pkt. 5c. Princess Helene.--A beautiful white, sweet scented variety. Pkt. 10c. DELPHINUM--(Perennial Larkspur.)--Mixed Colors.--One of our most showy and useful plants, producing splendid spikes of flowers in profusion throughout the summer. If sown early they bloom the first year from seed; hardy perennials. Pkt. 5c. ESCHSCHOLTZIA.--(California Poppy.)--Single Mixed.--Showy summer flowering plants; large saucer shaped flowers of striking brilliancy in the sunlight. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c.

[image] ESCHSCHOLTZIA.

Golden West.--A giant flower from 3½ to 6 inches across, of a rich golden yellow color. Pkt. 8c. Double Mixed.--Pretty. Pkt. 5c. FREESIA.--Refracta Alba.--Bears peculiar clusters of white flowers of the most delicious fragrance. Start seeds early, bulbs dry off in summer. Start them growing in the house in October and you will be pleased with them. Pkt. 10c. FOX-GLOVE.--(Digitalis.)--Showy for backgrounds and borders, and are very beautiful; mixed colors. Perennial. Pkt. 3c. FEVERFEW.--Free-flowering plants, succeeding in any garden soil; a fine bedding plant or for pot culture; blooms until frost. Double-white flowers. Pkt. 5c. GLADIOLUS.--A well known flower, easily grown from seed, blooming the second year. Pkt. 8c. GAILARDIA.--Perfection.--Improved sort, producing very double flowers, round as a perfect ball, in most varied and pleasing colors. Pkt. 5c. Grandiflora.--Splendid new perennial varieties, with very large flowers, dark crimson centers, marked with rings of many brilliant colors. Pkt. 10c. GILIA.--Finely cut foliage and clusters of small and delicate flowers, white, blue, lilac and rose. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c.

CENTAUREA.--Cyanus.--Called the Ragged Sailor, Corn Fower [Flower], Blue Bottle, Bachelor's Buttons and Bluet; very old favorite garden annual, flowering freely in almost any situation. Mixed colors. Pkt. 3c. Cyanus Double.--A most charming sport from the above. Flowers very large and globular. Continuous bloomer. Pkt. 8c. Marguerite.--This is one of the handsomest novelties ever brought out. The large flowers are of the purest white, deliciously scented, exquisitely lacinated [laciniated], freely produced. Pkt. 10c. Gymnocarpa.--Foliage finely cut and silvery. It is perhaps the best white leaved plant for bedding purposes. Pkt. 5c. CAMPANULA.--An old favorite perennial, bearing an abundance of handsome flowers which almost hide the plant. Cup and Saucer.--A beautiful variety. The bell is nearly four inches in diameter, presenting the form of a saucer, hence its name. Mixed colors. Pkt. 10c. Canterbury Bells.--Popular variety. Double and single mixed. Pkt. 6c. Mixed Varieties.--Choice mixture of all the best double and single varieties, suited for growing together. Pkt. 5c. CINERARIA.--Large Flowering Mixed.--Very showy plants for pot culture. Pkt. 15c. COLEUS.--Rainbow Mixed.--The most popular of foliage plants; the finest sort. Pkt. 15c. Fine Mixed.--Many varieties. Pkt. 10c. CYPRESS VINE.--A beautiful rapid climber with delicate, dark green foliage, and an abundance of star-shaped scarlet and white blossoms. Scarlet.--Very bright. Pkt. 5c. White.--Pretty in contrast with scarlet. Pkt. 5c. Mixed Colors.--The above mixed. Pkt. 3c, oz. 30c. 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. Pkt. 7c. DATURA.--Cornucopia.--A showy, tropical appearing plant. Flowers 8 inches long by 5 inches across the mouth; fragrant. Pkt. 10c. Double Mixed.--Pkt. 5c. DAISIES.--Giant Snowball.--Unusually large double flowers. Pure white. Pkt. 10c. Best Double 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 pretty flowers. Plants from seed grow and bloom very quickly. Fireball.--A beautiful, very dwarf and campact [compact] growing pink, only 10 to 15 inches high. Flowers are perfectly double and color a rich, velvety blood red. The plants begin to flower shortly after they are up, and bloom profusely all summer and fall. Pkt. 10c.

[image] FUCHSIA.

Snowball--A fit companion to the above. Flowers large, pure white, double, finely fringed and of perfect form. Pkt. 8c. Crown.--The flowers average 6 inches in circumference, are densely double and produced in succession during the whole summer. Colors from purest satiny white to red shades so deep and brilliant the eye can scarcely penetrate their depths. Pkt. 7c. Mourning Cloak.--Very dark mahogany color, almost black, each petal edged with a margin of pure white. Pkt. 5c. Single Heddewigi.--Finest selected single mixed. One of the most showy of the pink family. Pkt. 5c. Double Diadem Pink.--Superb double flower. Hieroglyphically marked, like the original Chinese pinks, in the middle down to base of each petal, magnificent in color and variety. Pkt. 7c. Chinenis.--(Double Chinese Pink.)--Finest double mixed. Pkt. 3c. Mixed Varieties and Colors.--Pkt. 5c. FUCHSIA.--Mixed Colors.--Fine plants can be easily raised from the seed, which will bloom freely during the summer in a cool, moist situation in the open air. On the approach of frost, they can be taken up and planted in pots. A packet contains about 15 seeds. Finest double and single mixed. Pkt. 10c. FERNS.--Can be grown from the spores, or seed, by sowing in a very moist place under glass. Pkt. 15c. GLOXINIAS.--Charming greenhouse plants of dwarf habit. Their flowers are produced in greatest profusion; and of the most exquisite and gorgeous colors. Seed should be started under glass. Extra choice mixed. Pkt. 25c.

[image] EUPHORBIA VARIEGATA.

GYPSOPHILA.--Delicately pretty little flowers sometimes called "Baby's Breath," or "Angel's Breath." Graceful and easily grown. Pkt. 5c. GLOBE AMARANTH.--(Gomphrena.)--Mixed Colors--Popularly known as "Bachelor Buttons," handsome, globular heads of flowers, which if cut when well matured, will retain their beauty through the winter; colors purple, white, flesh colored orange and striped. Pkt. 5c. EUPHORBIA.--Variegata.--Strong, tall growing annuals; the flowers are inconspicuous, the foliage however, is ornamental, veined and margined with white. Pkt. 5c. Heterophylla--Of branching bush-like form, with smooth, glossy-green leaves which, about mid-summer, become a beautiful orange scarlet, presenting a striking and brilliant appearance. Pkt. 10c. GRASS PINKS.--The hardy and pretty clove-scented flowers which were so much loved by our grandmothers. The flowers range from pure white to pink. A hardy perennial. Pkt. 5c.

[images] Grass Pink.

SET OUT A STRAWBERRY BED THIS YEAR. OUR PLANTS ARE EXTRA STRONG AND VIGOROUS.

62. SEED CATALOGUE AND GARDEN GUIDE.

[image] GERANIUM.

GERANIUM.--These favorite plants are easily raised from seed, and will frequently reward the cultivator with charming new varieties. The plants from seeds started early in the house, bloom the first summer in the garden. Packets contain about 40 seeds. Choice Mixed.--Seeds saved from nice varieties mixed. Try it. Pkt. 5c. Good Venture.--A greatly improved strain of geranium seed grown by a specialist, which we are sure will delight anyone. Pkt. 15c. GOURDS.--Ornamental Mixed.--A mixture of the odd shaped and fancy colored sorts. Contains some of the most popular and handsome foreign varieties. Pkt. 5c, oz. 30c. HOLLYHOCK.--An old favorite. Start seed early in the house and they will bloom the first year. Chater's Prize Double Mixed--A magnificent double flower three or four inches across, and all of the brightest colors. A mixture of 17 prize varieties, including all colors and shades known. Pkt. 10c. Fine Mixed.--Contains a good variety. Pkt. 5c. Allegheny Mammoth Fringed.--An entirely new and distinct variety which has attracted great attention. Flowers single, semi-double and double, of rich colors and fine form. Pkt. 10c. HELICHRYSUM.--Monster Mixed.--A pretty and popular hardy annual, bearing large, double flowers of different shades and colors, ranging from white to yellow, rich red and scarlet. Best everlastings. Pkt. 5c.

[image] HOLLYHOCK.

HELIOTROPE.--Mixed Varieties.--A great favorite with all lovers of flowers for their beauty and fragrance. Pkt. 5c. New Mammoth.--A grand new variety producing immense clusters of flowers. Pkt. 10c. HUMULUS (Hop.)--New Japanese Variegated.--Handsome and distinct climbing vine, valuable for trellis and high places. The leaves are strikingly variegated, bright deep green, distinctly marked and blotched with silvery white tinged with yellow. Pkt. 10c. HIBISCUS.--Crimson Eye.--Flowers of immense size, often measuring 20 inches in circumference, pure white, with a large spot of deep velvety crimson in the center. Blooms first year from seed in the open ground. Pkt. 8c. Golden Bowl.--Produces enormous flowers 5 to 6 inches across, of canary color with large black center. Pkt. 5c. GOLDEN ROD.--Although considered an objectionable weed on our western prairies, there is no denying the beauty of this flower. It has been adopted by New York as the state flower. Easily grown from seed. Pkt. 5c. GODETIA.--Mixed Varieties.--Handsome and showy annuals about one foot high, of dwarf, compact growth, bearing freely large flowers 3 to 4 inches across, of exquisite colors. Pkt. 5c. Lady Satin Rose.--Brilliant deep rose pink, surface shines like satin. Pkt. 8c. LEMON VERBENA.--Everybody knows the Lemon Verbena and all should have a few specimens of it, for its fragrant foliage is so fine to use in bouquets and floral work. Pkt. 10c.

[image] ICE PLANT.

ICE PLANT.--A handsome and curious plant for hanging baskets, rock work and vases. The leaves and stems appear as though covered with icy crystals. The flower is white and pink. Pkt. 5c. JOB'S TEARS.--An ornamental grass known botanically as Coix Lachryma. Grows two to three feet high with broad corn-like leaves; hard shining pearly seeds. Pkt. 5c. LINUM.--(or Scarlet Flax.)--One of the most showy annuals for flower beds and masses; brilliant, crimson scarlet flowers, one inch across, borne in wonderful profusion. Pkt. 5c. LYCHNIS.--Chalcedonica.--A pretty plant with star-like blossoms covering the dwarf bushy plants. Perfectly hardy, and blooms better the second season than the first. Pkt. 5c. Haageana Mixed.--Brilliant orange, scarlet, crimson, etc. Free flowering perennials. Pkt. 5c. LOBELIA.--Handsome trailing plants; profuse bloomers; elegant for baskets, vases and borders. All sorts mixed. Pkt. 5c. LANTANA.--Mixed Colors.--Greenhouse perennial; makes a fine bedding or pot plant; easily grown from seed. Pkt. 7c. LUPINUS.--Mixed Varieties.--Strong growing garden annuals, with innumerable spikes of flowers of various colors. Pkt. 5c. LARKSPUR.--Dwarf German Rocket.--An old and well known hardy annual. The flowers are borne in compact spikes, showy and desirable for any situation. Mixed colors. Pkt. 5c. American Banner.--Plants grow to a height of about two feet, and are fairly loaded with long spikes of double striped and blotched flowers. Pkt. 10c. Tall German Rocket.--Mixed colors. Pkt. 3c. Perennial Mixed.--(Delphinium.) Pkt. 5c. OXALIS.--Choice Mixed.--Free flowering little plants. Useful for edgings. Pkt. 5c.

[image] COPYRIGHTED BY A.BLANC JAPANESE MORNING GLORIES.

MORNING GLORIES.--Imperial Japanese.--Remarkable for the large size and exquisite new colors of the flowers, with magnificent foliage, often beautifully blotched. Of strong, robust growth. The vines grow quickly to a height of 12 to 20 feet. The flowers are of gigantic size, sometimes measuring four or five inches across. The colors of the flowers, shading and markings are really wonders of nature, and of incomparable beauty. Double and single mixed. Pkt. 8c, oz. 25c. Improved Climbing--A great improvement on the old climbing morning glory. Of large size and great variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c, ¼ lb. 60c. Fine Mixed.--A mixture of the old varieties. Pkt. 2c, oz. 10c, ¼ lb. 20c, lb. 60c. Brazilian.--(Ipomoea Setosa.)--One of the grandest and most luxuriant plants ever grown, very showy and graceful, with rose-colored flowers from three to four inches in diameter, and a huge leaf ten to twelve inches across. Pkt. 10c. New Double Flowering.--A splendid novelty of rapid growth, and produces its double flowers very freely. They are white with a slight spot of red or blue at the base of the larger petals. About 80 per cent of the seedlings will reproduce themselves true from seed. Pkt. 10c. Dwarf--See Convolvulus. MIMULUS.--Tigrinus.--(Monkey Flower.)--Very showy and free flowering. The hardy kinds are well suited for outdoor culture. Any common soil suits. Mixed varieties. Pkt. 10c. Moschatus.--The well-known musk-plant, quite pretty, and has a strong musk fragrance. A nice plant also for pot culture. Pkt. 8c. MOONFLOWER.--White.--(Ipomoea Grandiflora.)--One of the grandest of summer climbers, growing twenty-five to forty feet high, and covered nightly and on dull days with beautiful white and moonlike flowers from five to six inches in diameter. Has a rich jessamine-like odor. Pkt. of 10 seeds 7c. Blue Flowering.--(Ipomoea Leari.)--This distinct and charming novelty is valuable on account of being in beautiful and striking contrast with the true White Moon Flower. The color is exquisite, clear, satiny blue with well-defined crimson bars; distinct. Pkt. 10c.

[image] MOONFLOWER

MYOSOTIS, or Forget-Me-Not.--Palustris.--The true Forget-Me-Not. A perennial. Blooms the first year from the seed. Pretty plants with neat little star-shaped blue flowers. Pkt. 7c. Victoria.--A novelty and the best variety for pot culture. Dwarf, globular habit; beautiful sky-blue flowers with center double. Pkt. 7c. MAURANDIA.--Delicate climber for windows or conservatories. Admirable to hang from vases. Pkt. 10c. MARIGOLD.--African.--These fine old favorites have been greatly improved recently in size and doubleness of their flowers. Pkt. 3c. Dwarf French Double.--Pkt. 3c. Eldorado.--Immense flowers, 9 to 14 inches around; double; primrose, lemon, orange, and golden shades. Three feet high. Pkt. 5c.

FLOWERS GROWING ON THE LAWN ARE ALWAYS PRETTY. LAWN FLOWER SEEDS MIXED 25c PER OUNCE.

IOWA SEED COMPANY, DES MOINES, IOWA. 63.

[image] JAPANESE QUADRICOLOR MAIZE.

JAPANESE MAIZE.--Quadricolor.--An ornamental foliage plant of rapid growth, giving immediate effect and one which would be attractive in any garden. Grows 5 to 6 feet high and has alternate foliage, the leaves being very long and 2 to 3 inches wide. The variegation does not begin to show until the fourth or fifth leaf, when the leaves become striped with broad bands of white, changing soon to narrow stripes or ribbons of alternate clear white and brightest green, showing tinges of pink or rose color at the edges. Our illustration does not do it justice. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c.

[image] MACHET MIGNONETTE.

MIRABILIS.--(Marvel of Peru, or Four o'clock.)--Mixed Colors.--This is one of the most showy annuals presenting a most gorgeous sight during the afternoon. Many colors. Pkt. 3c. Tom Thumb Mixed.--Very handsome, compact, dwarf, bushy plants, with elegant golden-variegated foliage; numerous brilliant flowers, pure yellow, deep red, and striped and blotched. Pkt. 5c. MIGONETTE.--Sweet Scented.--The delicious fragrance of the Migonette makes it indispensable for bouquets and cutting. It is best to sow seed early in the garden and they will commence blooming the first of June. Pkt. 2c; oz. 15c. Allen's Defiance.--A remarkable and valuable variety with mammoth spikes 12 to 15 inches long, and more fragrant than any other variety. Florets are of immense size and the cut flower frequently keeps for three weeks, retaining its grace, beauty and fragrance. Pkt. 8c. Machet.--Distinct sort of great merit. It is dwarf and of vigorous growth, and throws up numerous stout flower stalks, terminated by massive spikes of deliciously scented red flowers. Pkt. 5c. NICOTIANA.--Affinis.--Of all varieties of tobacco which are grown for their sweet scented flowers this is the best. The plant is literally covered with large, white, star-shaped flowers, which, after being cut, will remain perfect for a week. Will perfume the whole yard or garden. Pkt. 5c. Sylvestris.--This is one of the handsomest of ornamental plants. It grows from 4 to 6 feet high; is of beautiful pyramidal form. Foliage large and handsome. Flowers are pure white, star-shaped and produced with the greatest freedom and are sweet scented. Pkt. 10c.

NASTURTIUM.--These may well be classed among our most beautiful and showy annuals. They are of very easy culture, and make a continuous show of bloom. The following are the best varieties; Aurora.--A magnificent variety of new color. The plant forms a perfect globe and is literally covered with flowers, completely hiding the foliage when in full bloom. The flower is of deep chrome yellow, the lower petals blotched with purplish carmine and beautifully marked with bright carmine veining. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. Beauty.--An extra fine dwarf variety, having handsome scarlet flowers splashed with canary yellow. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. Dwarf Chameleon.--The flowers of this new Tom Thumb Nasturtium are in color crimson, gold and bronze, bordered and flamed, changing in hue almost daily, hence its name "Chameleon." No variety could be more satisfactory. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Golden Queen.--Follage [Foliage] is of clear, bright yellow color. The plant is of dwarf, compact habit; flowers yellow. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Empress of India.--Of dwarf, bushy habit, the leaves of a dark, purplish blue color, making a suitable background for the brilliant scarlet-crimson flowers. Its profusion of bloom and richness of color are remarkable. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Ladybird.--Of dwarf neat, compact habit of growth. Flowers rich golden yellow, each petal barred with ruby crimson. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c.

[image] TOM THUMB MIRABILIS.

CLIMBING NASTURTIUM.--Caprice.--A charming novelty with flowers of changeable colors. A single plant frequently showing a dozen different colors or markings. Pkt. 10c, oz. 25c. Madam Gunter's Hybrids.--For richness and variety of color these new hybrids have no equals among the nasturtiums. The foliage is mostly dark and contrasts very effectively with the flowers. They are climbers and free bloomers. Color of flowers is most gorgeous, ranging from white through all the shades of pink, red, carmine, crimson, salmon, golden yellow to the deepest brown and maroon--nearly black, all striped, shaded and blotched in an indescribable manner. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c, ¼ lb. 35c. King of the Blacks.--A very handsome climbing variety, with flowers of a very rich dark brown almost black. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Spitfire--A most brilliant new climbing variety of bright cardinal red. A most glowing color. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Napoleon III.--A beautiful climbing variety with golden yellow flowers, striped with rosy scarlet. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Tall Varieties Mixed.--Pkt. 3c, oz. 10c, ¼ lb. 20c, lb. 65c. Lobb's Nasturtiums Mixed.--These are much superior to the ordinary Nasturtiums in brilliancy of flowers, height and rapid growth. Our mixture contains all the best named sorts. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c.

[image] A.BLANC IMPERIAL MIXED NASTURTIUMS.

Kink Theodore.--The darkest color in dwarf nasturtiums, deep scarlet maroon. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c. Pearl.--Charming dwarf white variety. Pkt. 5c, oz. 10c. Dwarf Liliput.--A most charming and distinct new strain of very dwarf compact growth that originated from the tall Tropoeolum Lobbianum. Plants are of smaller size than the well-known Tom Thumb Nasturtium, growing in closely compact form, while the flowers and rounded light green leaves are also smaller in size. The perfect flowers are so numerous that they come through the foliage in clusters, embracing many new and beautiful colorings. Pkt. 5c, oz. 20c. Imperial Mixed.--Includes about twenty of the dwarf varieties, selected from both American and foreign growers. The varieties are so selected that the colors harmonize beautifully and delight flower lovers, as they are of neat, compact habit of growth, and bloom freely when planted in beds, producing a mass of colors. Pkt. 5c, oz. 15c, ¼ lb. 50c. Dwarf Varieties Mixed.--A nice mixture of colors of this free blooming class. Each plant forms a small compact bush laden with bloom. Owing to the immense quantity we grow of this we are enabled to make a low price. Pkt. 3c, oz. 10c, ¼ lb. 20c, lb. 65c. OENOTHERA.--Evening Primrose.--Mixed Colors. Blooms fully expand only towards and during evening. Three to four inches across. Hardy annual. Mixed white and yellow. Pkt. 5c. NIGELLA.--(Love in the Mist)--Hardy annuals, about one foot in height, finely cut leaves and handsome flowers. Blooms early. A very pretty flower, and one our customers should try. Double flower, blue, white and purple, beautifully veiled and feathery, delicate appearing foliage. Pkt. 4c.

Ivy Leaved Perfection.--This unique and most beautiful climbing Nasturtium is different from all others in foliage and flower. Plants of running growth, star-like leaves of rich green veined with white. Flowers are of medium size, intense glowing scarlet in color, and of most distinct form. Pkt. 10c, oz. 30c.

[image] EMPRESS OF INDIA NASTURTIUM.

OUR CHOICE IOWA FLOWER SEEDS ARE UNEXCELLED. TRY THEM THIS YEAR.