Historic, archived document
Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
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RALPH BENJAMIN
CALVERTOn! f,ONG ISLAND NEW YORK
1925
PLEASE READ BEFORE ORDERING
In issuing this catalogue we feel confident that it contains as fine a collection of dahlias as anyone could wish for. Our aim is to include only the best varieties, and any that do not possess those good qualities that make them desirable are discarded.
Prices quoted are for divided, field-grown roots only.
Order early, as some varieties are scarce. All orders are filled in rotation.
We never substitute unless requested to do so in the order, but would suggest naming a few varieties as second choice.
Dahlia roots will be sent prepaid by mail or express.
All orders are shipped after May 1st, unless otherwise ordered.
Remittances should be made by bank draft, money order, or registered letter. Orders up to one dollar may be made in stamps.
We guarantee all roots to be healthy and true to name. Hav- ing no control over them after delivery, we do not guarantee them to live and thrive. Any unsatisfactory bulbs must be returned within ten days from date of shipment.
If you are unacquainted with the different types and varieties of dahlias, we would suggest that you leave the selection to us. )Send the amount of money you wish to invest, and in return we will send you a collection that will surely please. Please state colors preferred.
A cordial invitation is e:xtended to all flower lovers to visit our gardens during August, September and October.
We grow many varieties in too small quantities to catalogue. If there is som.e Dahlia or Gladioli that you want and do not see it catalogued include it in your order and we may have it.
2 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
CLASSIFICATION OF DAHLIAS
Dahlias are divided into a number of classes.
The Cactus have long, narrow petals, sometimes twisted and fluted, and often resemble a chrysanthemum.
The Hybrid have coarse, wide petals.
The Peony type is of recent introduction, but has become very popular. They are usually a very large flower, with few rows of petals, and show an open center. Sometimes the inner- petals are twisted and curled over the center, which gives the flower a re- semblance to a semi-double peony, from which it takes its name.
The Decorative dahlias have rounded or flat petals, loosely formed, and should never show an open center. This type is used extensively for cutting.
Show type: These are the old-fashioned quilled or ball type of dahlia, and many of them are very fine.
Pompon are the same as the show type except in size and should not be over 2 inches in diameter.
The Single dahlia has but one row of petals, with a large, open center.
The Collarette type have one row of petals and a row of shorter petals of another color, forming a collar around a yellow disc.
NOTE — Peo., Peony; Dec., Decorative; Pom., Pompon; H. C., Hybrid Cactus; Cac., Cactus; Col., Collarette.
ACHIEVEMENT (Col.) — Largest and finest of the collarettes; rich, velvety maroon; collar clear, waxy, snow white, over- laid pinkish crimson 20
ADVANCE (Cac.) — Very large, light scarlet flowers, borne on
long, stiff stems 25
A. D. LIVONI (Show) — A fine, pure pink 15
ALBERT MANDA (Dec.) — One of the largest dahlias grown; lemon mixed white and pink; a very good all around dahlia
50
ALEX WALDIE (Dec.) — Cream ground overlaid with a delicate
salmon pink 1.50
ALEWINE (Pom.)— Delicate pink-tinted white 15
AMAZEMENT (Dec.) — This is a very good variegated dahlia of red and white; the flowers are full double with serrated
tips 30
AMBER QUEEN (Pom.) — Rich, clear, amber-shaded apricot
10
AMERICAN BEAUTY (Dec.) — A very large wine crimson flower; one of the old varieties that is still very popular; a free
bloomer 35
ANDREW CARNEGIE (Peo.) — ^^Clear salmon pink, bronze
shading; petals somewhat flat; prominent center 25
ANNA REHORST (Show) — Deep shade of purple 40
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 3
ARABELLA (Show) — Pale lemon, daintily overlaid with
pink 15
ARCHILLES (Pom.) — Delicate lavender tipped pink 10
ARIEL (Pom.) — Deep orange buff 10
ATTRACTION (H. C.) — A very fine hybrid cactus dahlia; large
flowers of clear lilac rose 75
AURORE (Peo.) — New Holland dahlia; the flowers are of large size produced on long, stiff stems well above the foliage; color, a very deep rich orange; the plants are tall and
sturdy; a most abundant bloomer 75
AYESHA (Dec.) — A beautiful, clear light yellow; flowers are immense, with large, s'hell-like petals on long, stiff stems .25 BALLET GIRL (Cac.) — New; very large pure orange; some of the flowers come white, with orange base, others orange
edged white; all on the same bush 1.00
BERCH VON HEEMSTEDT (Peo.)— A pure yellow flower, with just a tint of orange; large size, fine form, and a free
bloomer 25
BLACK BEAUTY (Dec.) — Large, velvety maroon; almost black;
free flowering, good stems 25
BLACK BEAUTY (Peo.) — The largest and blackest of all dahlias grown; a fine flower of large size on long stems; a
fine exhibition flower 50
BLANCHE KEITH (Cac.) — Beautiful pure yellow of large size
25
BONNIE BRAE (Dec.) — Flowers are immense; color is cream,
shaded blush pink 1.00
BREAK O’DAY (Cac.) — Clear, sulphur yellow, sulphur white at
tips, with satiny sheen throughout; fine flower 50
BREEZE LAWN (Dec.) — 'Color, vivid vermillion; splendid form,
with full center, a fine variety for exhibition 50
CALIFORNIA ENCHANTRESS (H. C.)— A delightful shade of rose pink, blended with white. The flowers are produced
on strong, wiry stems 75
CARMENCITA (Dec.) — Bright yellow, striped crimson; flowers extra large, on long, stiff stems; one of the best fancy dec-
oratives to date; stock always scarce 1.00
CECELIA (Peo.) — ^A pale yellow flower, often 8 to 9 inches in
diameter; long, stiff stems; a fine cut flower 15
CHALANGE (Dec.) — Color a deep salmon red overlaying
yellow, with a rosy tint at tips; a fine cut flower 25
CHARMISTER (Dec.) — Beautiful shade of salmon pink, tinted
terra cotta, large flowers 50
CHATANEY (Peo.) — ^^Color similar to the well-known Chataney
rose; blooms held erect on long, stiff stems 40
CHIEFTAIN (Peo.) — A very large flower, deep wine color,
shaded purple; very free blooming 50
CHIEFTAIN (Dec.) — ^Clear, light red, heavily streaked and
splashed canary yellow; very large and attractive 50
CHIPETA (Cac.) — A mammoth flower borne on very long stems w’hich will hold the flower erect; a pleasing color of
amaranth red 50
CLARA BARTON (H. C.) — One of the finest flowers of its kind; free bloomer; color, a beautiful creamy white 50
4 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
CLEOPATRA (Peo.) — A rich oriental red, marked with yellow;
very free flowering' and always attracts attention 25
COCKATOO (Cac.) — A clear canary yellow, sometimes tipped
pure white 25
COPPER (Peo.) — Broad, fluffy, twisted petals of a beautiful copper shade, tinted with bronze and apricot; large size
flower on stiff stem 50
COUNTESS OF LONSDALE (H. C.)— Deep salmon-red. One of the best. Very free. iShould be in every garden . . .25
COUR DE LA PAIX (Peo.) — One of the showiest and best blooming peony dahlias; large flowers, held well above the foliage on long, stiff stems; color is a beautiful combination; old rose, splashed and shaded old gold; a flower always
asked for in a bouquet 40
CREMO (Dec.)— Light, creamy yellow, with petals partly
quilled; a fine garden or exhibition dahlia 50
CUBAN GIANT (Dec.) — ^Large, dark crimson; very free . . .25
DAKOTA (Dec.) — Large flame colored flowers; very good .75 DARKEST OF ALL (Pom.) — Nearly black; fine form and very
free 10
DARLENE (Dec.) — A fine garden dahlia, free flowering, color
shell pink blending to white at center 50
DAVID WARFIELD (Show) — A mammoth dahlia of extra good habits, producing its flower well above the foliage on stiff
stems; color, a deep cherry red 50
DELICE (Dec.) — A pretty, bright pink, entirely distinct of
beautiful form; a fine variety for cutting 25
DELIGHTED (Dec.) — Color white, extra large and free
bloomer 25
DIANA (Peo.) — A very large flower of fine form; crimson, with
violet reflects admired by all dahlia growers 50
D. M. MOORE (Dec.) — Dark velvet maroon, almost black; large
size flowers; dwarf grower 40
DOMINIQUE (Peo.) — A striking new variegated sort; the flowers are large with about two-thirds of the base being a rich scarlet maroon, the balance is tipped pure white .75 DOROTHY FLINT (Dec.) — ^Flowers large, of a clear pink, over- laid white, long stems and very free 60
DOROTHY PEACOCK (Show)— Clear pink, large size . . .25
DOROTHY WILLIS (Dec.) — ^An attractive variegated dahlia of good size. Clear white, heavily striped and splashed maroon.
1.00
DREAM (Dec.) — ^A beauty; a conspicuous shade of salmon with
amber-like glow 40
DR. H. G. DEAN (Dec.) — Brown orange 50
DR. PEARY (Peo.) — ^A rich, dark mahogany of large size and a
free bloomer 50
DR. TEVIS (Dec.) — One of the largest and most beautiful dec- orative dahlias, often over 9 inches in diameter; color, a soft salmon rose, suffused with old gold, which deepens to golden apricot near the center; pronounced by many the most
beautiful dahlia grown 50
DR. THURMAN (Dec.) — An exquisite combination of yellow and copper tints; a free bloomer, on long, stiff stems 50
MARGUERITE BOUCHON For Description see Page 10
6 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
DREER’S WHITE (Show) — Large, pure white; a fine garden
dahlia 25
DREER’S YELLOW (Show) — Pure quilled yellow, with full
center; one of the best 50
DUCHESS OF BRUNSWICK (Peo.)— ^Color,_red; outside florets
apricot; one of the best all around dahlias 50
DUFUR QUEEN (Dec.) — A massive flower, full to center; color,
lemon, lightly suffused with salmon rose 50
DUSKY PRINCESS (Dec.) — Very free flowering of large bright
maroon blooms with long stems 75
D. V. POTTER (Dec.) — A pleasing shade of lavender, some of the flowers with white tips; very large and of fine form .75 ECKFORD CENTURY — Single, white penciled and speckled
crimson 10
EDITH CAVELL (H. C.)— Old gold and orange 80
EDITH WOOSTER (Peo.) — Yellow suffused and overlaid with sunset red. A beautiful large dahlia of excellent habit 1.00 ELECTRA (Peo.) — Color, bluish mauve; large flowers held erect
above the foliage; free flowering; a fine dahlia 50
ELSIE BURGESS (Show) — Delicate white, suffused beautiful
lavender and faint light pink; long stems 25
EMPRESS (Peo.) — Color, salmon scarlet; flower of good size, on
long stems; a very free bloomer 50
ETENDARD DE LYON (Cac.) — A rich carmine rose color; a
fine dahlia both for cutting and exhibition 40
FASCINATION (Pom.) — Pink overlaid lavender; very good .10 FASHION (Peo.) — Rose pink, splashed and shaded magenta;
large flowers on good stems 50
FELICIA (Peo.)— Yellow 50
F. GRAHAM (Cac.) — A giant cactus on strong, erect stems. Color salmon rose shading to yellow center. (3ne of the few
good cactus for cutting 50
FLAME (Cac.) — A beautiful orange-scarlet. Florets long and
tightly quilled 25
FLAMINGO (Dec.) — A very fine, deep pink, each petal tipped white; the flowers are very attractive and bloom in pro- fusion 75
FLORADORA (Cac.) — ^Wine crimson; a very free bloomer;
early 20
FLORRIE WELLS (Cac.) — Long straight petals of rosy crim- son, medium size, strong stems 35
FRATERNITY (Cac.) — Beautiful delicate buff color; fine stems 25
FRAULEIN BUDDE (Peo.) — Beautiful soft mauve pink, on
good stems; free flowering 35
FRAU SHEIF (Dec.) — A light shade of old gold and buff. The
reverse side of petals shaded darker 75
FRECKLES (Dec.) — Color, buttercup yellow, striped garnet; a fine fancy decorative flower; large, on good stems, a fine
bloomer 75
FRIGIOLI (Dec.) — ^Single, blood red, tipped white 25
FRITZIMAN (Peo.) — An unusual brilliant red, usually splashed
with white 25
FUSI (Peo.) — A new cream white; flowers erect on good stems. 35
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 7
F. W. FELLOWS (Cac.) — Color, a bright orange, sometimes
tipped white; a free bloomer; fine for exhibition 1.00
GALLIARD (Cac.)— Semi-dwarf, scarlet crimson, long, narrow
petals; very free 15
GANGEMEDE (Pom.) — iBuff tinted pink; fine 15
GARDEN CITY (Dec.) — Very large flowers on long stems; color is purple, tipped and splashed with white; very free flower- ing and ought to be in every collection 50
GARIBALDI (Peo.) — ^Dark scarlet 50
GARNET QUEEN (Peo.) — Deep garnet color; a fine flower .25 GEN. DULLER (Cac.) — A rich, deep crimson, tipped white .25 GEN. CUSTER (Peo. Dec.) — A combination of yellow, white and
coral red. Large size ’. 50
GEN. MILES (Show) — A giant flower; clear violet, rose-tipped purple; its perfect form and size, with its unique coloring,
makes it one of the best for exhibition 50
GEORGE WALTERS (Cac.)— One of the largest hybrid dahlias grown; very free, with flowers well above the foliage on stiff
stems; color, a salmon rose, shaded a silvery pink 75
GERMANIA (Peo.) — Glowing crimson, shaded yellow at base
35
GLADIATEUR (Show) — Clear violet, shaded blue; fine for ex- hibition 25
8 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
GLADYS SHERWOOD (H. C.) — An extra fine white fiower, free bloomer; of fine form on strong, erect stems .... 1.00 GLORY OF HOLLAND (Peo.) — ^A wonderful bloomer; fiowers borne on long stems; color, a deep pink-shaded salmon, over- laid rose; a fine dahlia, both for exhibition and garden .40 GOLDEN WEST (Cac.) — A beautiful golden yellow, suffused bronze; the petals are short and taper at ends; a very
beautiful dahlia as a cut flower 50
GOLDLAND (Cac.) — ^A fine primrose yellow of perfect form;
as for free flowering it has old Floradora beat 50
GRIZZLY (Dec.) — A very large flower of deep maroon with good substance. The flower is perfect, with good stems 1.00
GUIDING STAR (Pom.)— Pure white 15
HAMPTON COURT (Peo.) — ^Extra large, bright marine pink,
erect on long, strong stems 25
HARMONY (Dec.) — A fine flower; mauve rose with golden
suffusion 35
HARVEST MOON (Cac.) — A very large pink dahlia, shaded
lighter at tips; a very good all around dahlia 75
HELEN DURNBAUGH (H. C.)— This is one of the loveliest of its kind; the color is a delicate blush deepening at center to a rosy glowing tint that should be seen to be appreciated
1.00
HENRI CAYEAUX (Cac.) — Old gold, shading to golden yellow
25
HENRY MAIER (Dec.) — Large yellow suffused amber; very
free 25
HENRY PATRICK (Dec.) — Large flower on long stems; very
free; one of the best pure whites for cutting 20
H. G. NEWMAN (Dec.) — A deep, rich red; a first-class dahlia
in every way 50
H. J. LOVINK (Peo.) — ^ White shaded mauve, very attractive;
flowers are well above the foliage 25
HOCHSAI (Dec.)— Scarlet gold .50
HOFFMUNGl (Cac.) — Chrome yellow center, shaded rose pink,
tipped old rose; large flowers of fine form 25
HORTULANUS BUDDE (Peo.)— A bright, deep red 20
HORTULANUS FIET (Dec.) — ^Extra large flower of a beautiful shade of pink; overlaid with salmon and gold; long, stiff
stems 75
IMMENSE (Dec.) — A beautiful shade of white, with carmine
and rose shades; fine for the garden 50
IRENE SATIS (Cac.) — Immense size, bright amber tinted
bronze, strong stems 75
IVERNIA (Cac.) — Large flowers, of a beautiful salmon-fawn
color 30
JACK ROSE (Dec.) — Good crimson flower for cutting 20
JAMES C. GILL (Peo.) — Artistic flowers of giant size are carried on long, stiff stems; the plants are medium height and loaded with blooms all season, the color being a rich
golden orange marked and toned with scarlet 75
JANE ROSE (Hy. Show)— Pink. Very good 25
JANE SELBY (Dec.) — Color mauve pink, large flowers on good stems; a fine keeper when cut 1.00
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 9
QUEEN MARY For Description see Page 16
J. H. JACKSON (Cac.) — A very dark rich maroon; very free
bloomer 20
JOHN GREEN (Peo.) — The coloring is very beautiful, the center being a clear, golden yellow, quickly changing to fiery
scarlet 50
KALIF (H. C.) — The large hybrid dahlia; the flowers, with broad, deep red petals, are held well above the foliage on
good, long stems; a good all around dahlia 60
KING ALBERT (Dec.) — This is a rich royal purple; a vigorous
grower and a free bloomer 50
KING OF AUTUMN (Dec.) — A beautiful shade of burnt amber, tinged old rose; a well-formed decorative on long, stiff
stems; fine for cutting or exhibition 25
KOERNER’S WHITE (H. C.)— Single, large pure white; always
in bloom 25
LADY SWAYTHLING (Cac.) — A fine flower for exhibition; very large salmon pink shading yellow at base 50
10 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
LA FAVORITA (H. C.) — Beautiful large orange salmon with a
long, stiff stem 40
LEO XIII. (Cac.) — Large sulphur yellow 40
LIBELLE (Cac.) — Light purple; very free bloomer 15
LIBERTY BELL (H. C.) — Color, soft crimson carmine, shading yellow at base of petals, with white tips; flowers large; a
fine exhibition dahlia 25
LITTLE BESSIE (Pom.) — Creamy; very good; white 15
LITTLE JENNIE (Pom.) — Primrose yellow 10
LORN A DOONE (Cac.) — The blending of colors is unusual; yellow at base, the greater part of the petals being a pink shade yet so decidedly tinged with carmine as to make it
very distinct; flowers of medium size 50
LOUISE SLOCOMBE (H. C.) — Deep rose pink overlaid amaranth
pink; large flowers on long, stiff stems 1.00
LYDIA VANCE (Dec.) — White overlaid lavender pink; very
fine 75
MABEL B. TAFT (Dec.) — Yellow suffused pink apricot . . .75
MADAM L. CUSARD (Dec.) — Carmine, tipped and splashed with white; a fine, large flower on long, stiff stems . . .50
MADELINE (Pom.) — Pale primrose edged with rose purple .15 MAD. HENRI CAYEAUX (Cac.)~Pink, slightly tipped white
35
MADONNA (Dec.) — A large, white, each petal shaded to pearl, with slight pink markings; flowers large, on good stems;
fine, all around dahlia 40
MAD. VAN DEN DAEL (Dec.) — ^Clear pink, blooming freely
on good stems 20
MANITOU (Dec.) — A large flower of amber bronze; a fine
garden or exhibition dahlia 50
MARCELLA GILL (Dec.) — A dandy flower for cutting; the color is a soft shell pink, bright and attractive; a free
bloomer 75
MARGUERITE BOUCHON (Cac.) — Large, brilliant rose pink,
tipped white, with light pink center 50
MARIE STUDHOLM (Dec.) — A pretty, large lavender pink .25 MARYAN (Dec.) — Apricot to buff, on perfect stems; very fine
for 'cutting or garden 50
MASTER PAUL (Dec.) — Pinkish lilac shaded white; a fine, large
flower on strong stems 35
MASTERPIECE (Dec.) — Pure tango color; large flower on long,
stiff stems; good for cutting 25
MATADOR (Cac.)— Old rose 60
MAUDE ADAMS (Show) — This wonderful dahlia is one of the best; color, pure snowy white, overlaid delicate pink; the large flowers, produced on long stems, are full to the last;
always in bloom 30
MAURICE REVOIRE (Col.) — Rich crimson maroon 25
MEDALLION (Peo.) — ^Color, a beautiful cerise pink, the central petals being rayed with gold; a very free bloomer .... .50
MERCURY (Cac.) — Deep yellow, striped crimson; a very fine
fancy cactus .40
MERIT (Pom.) — Pale yellow; fine 15
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 11
MRS. G. GORDON For Description see Page 12
METEOR (Col.) — Crimson maroon, slightly edged old gold;
collar cream white; a star-shaped dahlia 15
MILLIONAIRE, THE (Dec.) — This is considered one of the largest of its class and attracts admiring attention. The shade is a delicate lavender pink. The flowers are on heavy
stiff stems 1.00
MINA BURGLE (Dec.) — Large, glowing scarlet on long, stiff
stems; fine for cutting 25
MINNEHAHA (Peo.) — Giant flowers of light red on good stems;
for cutting 35
MINNIE RYDER (H. C.)— Large lavender pink 1.50
MISS LEOTA COTA (H. D.) — A beautiful, large flower; creamy
buff blending to pink; a fine exhibition variety 1.00
MISS MINNIE M’CULLOCH (Dec.)--Soft yellow, overlaid with
bronze 20
MISS STREDWICK (Cac.)— Pink 50
MME. CHANTREE (Cac.) — Large violet rose, good stems .75 MME. COISSARD (Peo.) — Crimson, whitening toward the
center; a very large, attractive flower 50
MME. YARD (Dec.) — The largest and best dahlia in existence; a French novelty; the color, currant red, shading to yellow at center; a dahlia fit for any collection 1.00
12 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
MONS LENORMAND (Dec.) — Large, 'bright yellow, striped with
red, often showing white on tips of petals 25
MONTEREY (Dec.)— Mauve pink 50
MOONBEAM (Dec.) — A lovely clear lemon yellow decorative, slightly tipped and tinged white; a free bloomer with good
stems .35
MOROCCO (Dec.) — Deep purple, nearly always tipped white
25
MRS. Ao BOYER (Peo.) — A combination of salmon and fawn; a fine cut flower 25
MRS. A. I. DUPONT (Dec.) — One of the best varieties grown; color, a rich ruby red; a very free flowering dahlia of large
size 60
MRS. BOWEN TUFTS (Peo.) — Color, a deep rosy purple; the flowers are produced on long stems well above the foliage;
a fine garden dahlia .40
MRS. BRANDT (Cac.) — Color salmon buff blending to golden
yellow at center; one of the largest and best 50
MRS. CARL SALBACH (Dec.) — One of the prettiest dahlias in cultivation; lavender tpink; a very large, full, deep flower on
long, stiff stems; fine for exhibition or garden 1.00
MRS. C. H. BRECK (Cac.) — Light red, tipped and overlaid with
white; very large and free flowering 50
MRS. CHARLES SEYBOLD (Peo.)— White, more or less marked
carmine; early and a great bloomer 25
MRS. EDNA SPENCER (Cac.)— Delicate orchid pink 50
MRS. FRED JEFFRIES (H. C.) — A large, deep maroon; very
free 50
MRS. G. GORDON (Peo.) — ^Best lemon yellow grown; flowers
large and free, on long, stiff stems 25
MRS. HARTONG (Dec.) — A deep orange color tipped with pink.
20
MRS. J. B. RIDING (Peo.) — Deep crimson; good cut flower .25 MRS. J. C. VAUGHAN (Show) — ^Large, bright yellow flowers
on long stems 35
MR. JIG'GS (Dec.) — ^Bright Tuscan red, with white shadings;
very pretty, of good size and a free bloomer 50
MRS. JOHN BRAY (Peo.) — White ground, speckled and splashed maroon; a beautiful fancy dahlia of large size; a very free
bloomer; fine for exhibition 1.00
MRS. J. M. GOODRICH (Dec.) — ^Salmon pink, tipped primrose yellow; plants are semi-dwarf, with medium-sized flowers
40
MRS. NATHANIEL SLOCOMB (Dec.)— The best best yellow
decorative grown 1.00
MRS. ROOSEVELT (Show)— Delicate pink, large 25
MRS. SUSAN WILSON (Show) — ^Very large, deep burnt orange,
veined with orange red 25
MRS. T. B. ACKERSON (Dec.) — Fine crimson and white flamed yellow; flowers large, and good stems; very showy in the
garden 60
MRS. SYKES (Dec.) — ‘Beautiful pink, of American Beauty rose shade; very fine 50
BREAK O' DAY For Description see Page 3
14 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
MRS. WARNAAR (H. C.) — This is one of the finest in my field; a dwarf g'rower, with exceedingly large blooms on long,
stiff stems, mauve pink in color 1.00
NATALIE MAI (Peo.) — A blossom so unusual in coloring that it is quite impossible to do it justice in description; a deep burgundy with maroon suffusion shading to creamy pink at the edge of petals; a very large flower and free blooming.
.50
NELLIE SLOCOMB (Cac.) — Very large, narrow petals, fep
pink, slightly shaded cream; very pretty dahlia 50
NIAGARA (Peo.) — A lovely odd shade of red; the flower is very large and unique; the tiny petals are so numerous as often to completely cover the yellow center; a free bloomer on
long, upright stems 60
NIBLEUNGHORT (Cac.)— Beautiful shade of old rose; golden apricot suffusion; petals curved and twisted; flowers very
free and long stems 60
NINA (Dec.) — A fine, new, large white, with a lilac blush, often
growing six and seven inches across 35
NINNIGRET (Peo.) — Color, a rich, dark red, flowers of large
size, on long stems 25
NOIR ALVEREZ (Dec.) — Oxblood red, long stems; very free
flowering 1.00
NOKOMIS (Peo.) — Color, white and yellow mixed, heavily striped and speckled dark red; the flowers are immense; a
dandy 30
OLD SOL (Peo.) — Primrose yellow, shaded to coppery red .60
ORATOR (Show) — Buff color, good stems 10
OREGON BEAUTY (Dec.) — Oriental red; petals fold back to
stem; flowers large, on stiff stems; very early 35
PAINTED LADY (Peo.) — ^Color, pale rose; reverse of petals
very dark; flowers large, on long, stiff stems 25
PAPA CHARMET (Dec.) — A large flower on erect stems;
morocco red suffused garnet 25
PAUL BONYON (Dec.) — ^Beautiful large blooms of a salmon
pink with luminous golden sheen 35
PAUL MICHAEL (Dec.) — Large size, fair stems, old gold with
bronze shading; very good 2.00
PERE DE LYON (H. C.) — ^Splendid pure white, of medium size,
on long stems; fine for cutting 20
PIERRE LEBLOUD (Dec.) — Deep scarlet red, heavily tipped white. It is so evenly and distinctly marked that it proves
.one of the most satisfactory variegated dahlias 50
PIERROT (Cac.) — A very striking novelty dahlia; pure amber, overlaid bronze; petals tipped white; large and a free
bloomer 60
PIUS X (Cac.) — Beautiful white, slight sulphur- tinted center;
flowers very free 25
POMONA (Dec.) — Large, deep creamy amber 50
POWHATAN (Peo.)— Dark crushed strawberry; a very free
flowering dahlia, with flowers of good size 50
PRICELLA (Peo.) — A very large flower on long stems well above the foliage; color orange red; very fine 50
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 15
PRIDE (Pom.) — Very deep crimson; in shape and habit a model
of perfection; extra fine 15
PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA (Dec.) — This is one of the best reds. It is a wide, loose petaled flower of great size on strong stems; a fine cut flower, as it has splendid keeping qualities.
50
PRIDE OF NEW HAVEN (Dec.) — Color, coppery bronze, shaded to clear amber-tinted pink; the flowers are very large and
free; a fine autumn dahlia 75
PRIDE OF ORANGE (Show) — Rich yellow, heavily tipped red.
: 15
PRIM A DONNA (Dec.) — Large ivory-white tinted violet; very
fine 50
PRINCESS ANGELINE (Dec.) — Large rose magenta; very free
flowering, on long stems 50
PRINCESS JULIANA (Dec.) — A pure white flower, excellent
for cutting or exhibition 25
PRINCESS MARY (Dec.) — A silvery pink, similar to Queen Mary, but much larger; is very free flowering 40
ELSIE BURGESS For Description see Page 6
16 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
PRINCESS PAT (Dec.) — A beautiful shade of old rose deepen- ing at center, slightly tinged at tips. The flowers are large and perfect on long stems well above the foliage .... 1.00 PROP. MANSFIELD (Dec.) — A sparkling yellow, with clear white tips and a tinge of rosy red toward the center . . .20
PURITY (Dec.) — Pure white, large flowers, well above the
foliage on stiff stems; one of the best for cutting 40
PURPLE MANITAU (Dec.) — Large flower of deep purple; fine
for exhibition 50
QUAKER CITY (H. C.)— In this fine new dahlia each petal is supplemented with from three to six narrow pointed petals showing up through the flowers, making a very artistic flower of good size and a very free bloomer; color, primrose
yellow 50
QUEEN ELIZABETH (Peo.) — Large rosy mauve flowers on long stems. Very free and a good dahlia for all purposes . . .50
QUEEN MARY (Dec.) — Large, silvery pink on long stems; the plant is a vigorous grower and is very fine flowering. . .25
QUEEN OF HEARTS (Cac.) — Pure white sulphur yellow, center
very fine; free bloomer 25
RADEN KARTINI (Dec.) — Large salmon, suffused lilac and
mauve, on erect stems 50
RAPIERE (H. C.) — One of the best autumn shade dahlias; flowers of large size on good long stems; color golden yellow;
A free bloomer 50
RECORD (Cac.) — Scarlet orange; large flowers on long, stiff
stems 20
RED CLOUD (Peo.) — Large, full flowers of rich deep carmine;
free flowering; a very good garden dahlia 25
RED CROSS (H. C.) — A fine combination of red and yellow. A very large flower of an attractive form. Produces long
stems, and well suited for cut-flower 1.00
RED NOKOMIS (Peo.) — Same as Nokomis but solid red collar.
30
RENE CHARLOTTE (Show) — A purple crimson, flowers are
produced on long stems; fine for cutting 20
RENE DE GERARD (Col.) — Rich purple shaded lighter, with
large white collar 15
REV. T. W. JAMISON (Cac.) — Violet rose at tips, shading to primrose yellow at base of petals; incurved and very large.
25
RHEINCHER FROHSINN (Cac.) — A very distinct variety: the flowers are large and of fine form, the petals are white at
base, but soon change to a luminous carmine rose 50
ROBERT MANTEL (Show) — A very deep maroon; large and
free flowering; a rank grower 40
ROSE (Show) — A deep rose shade; flowers erect on long stems;
a very fine dahlia 25
RUBENS (Peo.) — Color, pink, shaded to cream amber; flowers
large on long, erect stems; a fine cut flower 60
RUTH FORBES (Cac.) — A clear pink flower composed of heavy petals on long stiff stems 35
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 17
RUTH GLEADEL (Cac.) — Immense flower; soft yellow s’hading
to apricot bronze on outer petals 50
RUTH ROLAND (Dec.) — ^Color, sulphur yellow tipped and
suffused mauve rose; a very fine dahlia 50
RUTH THURSTON (Peo.) — Large, clear yellow, on fine stems;
a very pretty dahlia 50
SAMARITAN (Cac.) — Pure white; one of the best medium
size 30
SAMOSET (Peo.) — ^Color, light yellow, with petals tipped pink;
large flowers, on long stems 50
SAN MATEO (Dec.) — Large sized flowers on good stems. Deep
yellow heavily striped and splashed crimson 50
SAN TOY (Pom.) — White, very heavily tipped carmine 10
SCHONE HAMBERGERIN (Dec.)— Color, old golden ochre yellow, suffused with bronze; a fine autumn shade dahlia 1.00
BALLET GIRL For Description see Page 3
18 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
SELMA (Peo.) — Color, rose pink; of large size and very free
bloomer; flowers on long, stiff stems 50
SEQUOIA G’lGANTIA (Cac.) — Gigantic blooms on good stems;
deep yellow 75
SIMPLICITY (Cac.)— Soft lilac-rose 40
SIREN (Single) — (Crushed strawberry, crimson and yellow; a
most beautiful flower 25
SNOWDRIFT (Dec.) — A very large, deep flower with broad, waxy petals; one of the best white dahlias grown .... 1.00
SONNINGOLD (H. C.)— A beautiful gold flower . . . -. 50
SOUV DE M. SIL'V ENT (Peo.) — A combination of scarlet and
gold; a flne flower on long, stiff stems 35
STARLIGHT (Dec.) — A nice, white striped red flower of medium
size, and a very free bloomer 35
STRADELLA (Show) — Rich, deep purple crimson; free flower- ing on long stems; very fine 25
SULPHUR KING (Dec.) — Gigantic yellow flower 50
SUNBEAM (Dec.) — Color, rich red, tips of petals old gold; a
popular dahlia 1.00
SWEET BRIAR (Cac.) — ^One of the loveliest shades of soft
pink; very long, narrow, incurved petals 50
SYLVIA (Dec.) — A deep pink, shading to white at center; one
of the best for cutting 15
TENOR ALVEREZ (Dec.) — A very large flower of loose forma- tion; color, cerise penciled maroon 75
T. G. BAKER (Cac.) — ^Large, yellow, narrow petals; very free.
25
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (Dec.) — Giant orange scarlet. . .50
TILLAMCiOK (Show) — ^Color, a delicate blush, rose tips; large
and very free 25
TITAN (Peo.) — Best dark purple magenta shaded wine; a fine
blossom on a good stem 50
TOM LUNDY (H. C.) — Large, rich, glossy crimson 75
TY COBB (Dec.)— Pink and purple 50
VAN DYKE (Peo.) — A mammoth twisted flower; color, salmon
rose tinted heliotrope; long, wiry stems 50
VERNA TOMPSON (Peo.) — White, heavily clouded cerise;
large, striking bloom 75
VICTORY (Dec.) — A fine large flower; color, a wonderful amber. 75
VICTORY (Cac.) — A beautiful large fawn pink, long stems; a
fine cut flower 50
VIRGINIA (Dec.)— Lavender pink 1.00
VIVIAN (Show) — ^White-edged rose purple; one of the largest
and finest to date 25
VIVID (Pom.) — Rich, bright scarlet; extra perfect and a good
cut flower 15
WADAWANNOCK (Peo.) — One of the finest scarlet dahlias;
flowers large, on long stems 50
WAR DANCE (H. C.) — A giant flower, often 10 inches across, carried on good stems. The color is scarlet, tipped and marked with golden yellow 1.00
RALPH BENJAMIN,
Date-
Name
Ladies will please put the prefix Miss or Mrs.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS
Calverton, New York
192
AMOUNT ENCLOSED
Street Address or Box Number
Post Office
County
R. D. Route State
At prices quoted all bulbs are delivered free
Post Office Money Order . . $ ,
Express Money Order
Draft or Check $..
Ca.sh
Stamps $
Total . . $
Please Laave This Space Blank
If different from Post Office give \ name of Express or Freight Office (
|
Quantity |
NAME OF VARIETY |
Price |
Amount |
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Better Homes and Gardens
For Home Lovers in Cities, Towns and Suburbs
This fine garden and home improvement magazme, formerly known as Fruit, Garden and Home, in two years attracted to itself 500,000 subscribers. Every family having a house and garden needs it.
It gives definite plans for making homes more com- fortable and more attractive. In it jmu will find just the information you want regarding Flower and Vegetable Gardening, Shrubbery, Landscaping, Lawm Improvement, Building, Interior and Exterior Decoration, Cooking, Canning and Housekeeping.
Better Homes and Gardens has four color covers, is printed on extra good paper and is beautifully illustrated. It is the only national magazine of its kind with so reasonable subscription rates — only $1 for 2 years, 60c for 1 year. Published monthly, 52 to 100 pages. Single copy 10c. Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded.
For Special Introductory Offer, See Other Side
From
RALPH BENJAMIN
CALVERTON, L. 1., N
Grower of DAHLIAS and GLADIOLI
''Bulb Gardening'' and Valuable Reprint Free
Anyone who has a bit of ground, however tiny, can successfully engage in bulb gardening.
Our book on “Bulb Gardening” contains 36 pages, on the various phases of bulb culture, such as “Laying Out a Bulb Garden,” “Kinds of Bulbs,” “Planting,” “When to Plant Table,” “How to Plant,” etc.
I Printed on good paper, profusely illustrated, this book is of great in- . : terest and value to all who love the beautiful blooms produced by bulbs.
Olir Snprial InfrnHlirtnrv Offer* Return this coupon promptly, with $1 for a 2-year suhscrip- vur opeciai introauciory VllCI. l-year subscription to Better Homes and
Gardens, and we will send you, postpaid, a copy of “Bulb Gardening,’’ and in addition, a reprint of three special articles from previous numbers of Better Homes and Gardens, entitled “How to Eradicate the Dandelion.’’ “Planning the Backyard Fence,’’ and “Perfect Privacy With Lattice Fences.’’ Use blanks below and mail Coupon NOW^ You will be pleased. (Offer good in XT. S. only.)
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS, E. T. Meredith, Publisher, Des Moines, Iowa:
Enclosed is $ in acceptance of your Special Introductory Offer. Please send Better
Homes and Gardens for ypars, also the book “Bulb Gardening’’ and Reprint. It is under-
stood I am to have free service from your Subscribers’ Information Bureau,.
Name
Post Office.
Street No, Box No..
State.
See Other Side for Description of Better Homes and Gardens
84-R,B,
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 19
W. B. CHILDS (Cac.) — Blackish maroon, shaded purple; one of
the very best 25
W. D’ARCY RYAN (Dec.) — Violet purple tipped white; very
igood 75
WHITE SWAN (Show)— Snow white 30
WODAN (Cac.) — Delicate salmon rose, shading to old gold
center; very large flowers 50
W. W. RAWSON (Dec.) — Pure white, overlaid with amethyst
blue; very large size flowers on good stems 25
YAPHANK (Dec.) — A very good dahlia; yellow and red ... .50
YELLOW DUKE (Peo.) — Pure canary yellow; flowers of large
size on long stems; good for cutting 20
ZEPPELIN (Peo.-Dec.) — A very pretty shade of mauve; flowers are well formed on long, stiff stems 25
15 Named Dahlias
for
■
20 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
GLADIOLUS CULTURE
Gladioli are very easy to grow. Plant bulbs about 6 inches deep in any good garden soil, but do not let stable or barnyard manure come in contact with the bulb, as this will cause it to decay. Use commercial fertilizer, thoroughly mixed with the soil. A few bulbs planted every ten days, from April 15th to July 1st, in this latitude will give flowers until frost. Give thorough cultivation, and in cutting leave most of the leaves on the plant, so as to mature the bulb for another year.
RALPH BENJAMIN, 'CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 21
The Greatest of all White Gladioli
“JOERG’S WHITE”
This description is given by the originator, Mr. George J. Joerg.
Awards from New York Horticultural Society First Prize 1922 First Prize 1923 First Prize 1924 American Gladiolus Society A. G. S. Trophy, New York 1924
This is unquestionably one of the largest flowered Gladiolus ever introduced and easily the finest and purest of all white varieties.
The Spike. Ordinary spikes, cut in the field without any special culture or attention, measure on an average of 18 to 20 inches from the base of the lower flower to the tip. The flowers are arranged in such perfect formation, all facing one way, as to lead one to believe they were artificially placed there by man, but nature has done her work far more per- fectly than the most expert florist could arrange them. The spike reproduced on page — was cut with 8 others in the field on August 25th, after practically 6 weeks’ drought, and no irrigation of any kind had been given the plot. Seven perfect flowers with two bursting buds are seen on an 18-inch spike.
The Flower. The lower flower on this spike measured 51^ inches across. It is of the purest glistening snow-white. Five petals in each flower show no other color whatsoever. The lower petal shades to a creamy yellov/ in the throat, with light crimson veinings.
The Plant. A very vigorous robust grower, with flower stems averaging 36 inches, two and often three spikes to a large bulb.
Its Merits. As an exhibition flower it so far outclasses every other white that it is a certain winner. Blooms ex- hibited at the New York Gladiolus Show August 22-23, 1924, won highest awards both from American Gladiolus Society and New York Horticultural Society. It was the outstanding novelty of the Show.
As a garden plant its noble spikes, erect and vigorous, make a wonderful shoAving, and as a cut flower it is ideal in vases, the perfect formation of the spike making it an easy and very effective one to arrange. Blooms sold on New York market (when a glut of Gladioli prevailed) brought five times the price of the best of all other commercial varieties.
Price Each $5.00
22 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
GLADIOLUS BULBS
ALICE TIPLADY (Prim.) — A beautiful orange saffron . . .15
AMERICA — Beautiful shell pink; each 05
Per dozen .50
ARIZONA — Fine dark pink with maroon markings; each. . .10
Per dozen 1.00
ATTRACTION — Deep crimson with white throat; very fine and
showy; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
AUTUMN QUEEN — ^Cream yellow upper petals, suffused with peach-blossom pink; lower petals striped carmine red; very
fine; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
BLUE JAY — ^Beautiful pale blue, with a white blotch; each .10
Per dozen 1.00
CHICAGO WHITE — A fine w*hite, with lavender stripes on lower
petals; early; each 10
Per dozen 75
C. M. KELWAY — A beautiful light pink; very fine; each. . .10
Per dozen 1.00
CRACKERJACK — Large flowers of rich, velvety red; each .10
Per dozen 75
CRIMSON GLOW^ — By far the most beautiful red gladiolus on the market; very large, open flowers of the finest form;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
EMPRESS OF INDIA — A rich, dark red; one of the best of
recent novelties; each 10
Per dozen 75
EVELYN KIRTLAND — A beautiful shade of rosy pink, darker at the edges fading to shell pink at the center with brilliant scarlet blotch on lower petal; very tall spike; early, each .10
Per dozen 1.00
FAIRY — Cream color; medium size flowers on straight spikes;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
FLORA — ^A beautiful golden yellow 15
GLORY — Each petal is suffused and fluted; color, a delicate cream pink with crimson stripe; large, wide open flowers;
each 20
Per dozen 2.00
GLORY OF HOLLAND — ^Pure white with slight shadings of pale
pink; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
GOLIATH — A fine large deep wine, very dark; a better Empress
of India; each 15
Per dozen 1.50
GOLDEN KING — A brilliant golden yellow with intense crimson blotch in throat; one of the best yellow varieties; each .15
Per dozen 1.50
GOLDEN MEASURE— Extra fine yellow 50
GRETCHEN ZANG — Tall, graceful spike of soft shade of geranium pink with carmine throat markings; each . . .10
Per dozen 1.00
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 23
HALLEY — Very large salmon pink; each 05
Per dozen 50
HERADA — An intense phlox; color, shaded pure purple; a tall
grower, with large wide open flowers; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
IDA VAN — Beautiful deep salmon red; early; each 05
Per dozen 50
JESSIE — A very good early red; each 05
Per dozen 50
JUMBO — Deep pink, throat amber white, sprinkled carmine;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
KLONDIKE — Clear yellow, with crimson blotch; early; each .05
Per dozen 50
LE MARSHAL FOCH — A clear light pink, very large, each .10 LILY WHITE — A beautiful, pure white, with faint markings; early, with six to eight flowers open at a time; each . . .10
Per dozen 1.00
L’lMMACULET — A medium size pure white; very good . . .15
LOUISE — Fine lavender gladioli, with wine-colored blotch at throat; blossoms extra large; admired by everyone;
each 15
Per dozen 1.25
LOVELINESS — Creamy white large flowers, tall straight spikes;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
MAJESTIC — Orange pink, flne large flowers 10
MASTER WIETSE— Royal purple; many flowers open at one
time; very good; each 15
Per dozen 1.25
MRS. FRANCIS KING — Light scarlet; four to six large flowers
open at the same time; each 05
Per dozen 50
MRS. FRANK PENDELTON, JR. — Bright, light pink, with crim- ,son blotch; very large, wide-open flower; long, well-fllled
spike; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
MRS. O. W. HALLADAY — Delicate, soft silky pink, with creamy
blotch; very flne; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
MRS. WATT- -Beautiful wine crimson; large open flower; the
best of its color for cutting; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
MRS. W. E. FRYER — Fine, large scarlet; tall grower; wide open
flowers; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
NIAGARA — A very large, yellow, graceful flowers; each. . .10
Per dozen 1.00
NORMA DE CHILDS — Large, open flower of delicate shell pink, mottled darker; cream throat; each 25
ORANGE GLORY — Orange color with beautiful lighter throat. 15
24 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
PANAMA — A fine pink; better than America, with wide-open
flowers ; each 10
Per dozen 75
PEACE — Very large, open white flower, with pale carmine blotch
on lower petals; long, well-filled spike; each 10
Per dozen 80
PINK PERFECTION — A very large bright pink 10
PINK PROGRESSION — Very early; almost white, with red
blotch; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
PINK WONDER — A shade lighter than Panama, with base of
petals light yellow; each 25
PRESIDENT TAFT — Rosy pink, throat yellow green blotched
carmine; each 08
PRIDE OF G'OSHEN — ^Large flesh pink, lower petals; broad
strip of carmine 10
PRIMULIMUS HYBRID — These hybrids are gained by crossing the species Primulimus with the larger varieties of the Can- danensis type. They have retained all the daintiness and form of their Primulimus parent, and the colorings range from primrose to a beautiful rose and geranium shades;
per dozen 50
Per 100 3.00
Per dozen 75
PRINCE OF WALES — A deep buff, with throat markings of a deeper tone; a novelty of great value; very fine; each. . .10
Per dozen 1.00
PRINCEPINE — Carmine red, with larg-e, white blotch; each .10
Per dozen 75
PRINCEPS — Amaryllis-like flowers, a dark scarlet, marked with
white on lower petals; very attractive; each 10
Per dozen .75
PROSERPINE — Very large, wide open flowers of cerise pink;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
ROEM VAN. KENNEMERLAND — Deep pink, very large wide
open flowers; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
ROSELLA — Delicate rose mauve, a very beautiful flower . . .15
ROSE, 1910 — Extra large flower rose pink, lower petals marked
with narrow white line through center; each 15
ROUGE TORCH — Large, creamy white, red, torch-like tongue on
lower petals; a very striking contrast; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
SCARSDALE — A deep Jacinth, shading to lavender; very fine;
each 10
Per dozen 1.00
SCHWABEN — This is the largest and strongest flowered yellow
gladiolus grown; extra fine; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
WAR — The very best large red; long spike and a good cut
flower; each 10
Per dozen 1.00
WILBRINK — Flesh pink, creamy blotch on lower petals . . .10
RALPH BENJAMilN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 25
MIXED — This is our regular mixture, including all colors and
shades; per dozen 40
Per 100 2.50
FANCY MIXED — We grow many of the new varieties for trial in too small quantities to catalogue, so are offering them,
not labeled for, each 10
Per dozen 1.00
FIVE RUFFLED GLADIOLI OF THE PRIMULIMUS TYPE
ANGOLA — Fine salmon pink.
CONOPUS — ^Large rich solid yellow.
DEXTER — Tall Mush rose pink, throat creamy yellow. MINATAKA — Upper petals soft pink, lower petals soft creamy yellow with red stripes; very fine and showy.
SEDAN — Fine pale yellow.
Price 10 each
If you plant gladiolus by the 100 or 1,000, write for prices.
FERTILIZER FOR GLADIOLI
A preliminary test of the fertilizer needs of a Gladioli was conducted on a small scale by Dr. F. T. McLean at the Rhode Island Experiment Station this season. The results indicated that lime was not beneficial on soil in good tilth; equally good results were obtained with well composted stable manure and with a good potato fertilizer, at the rate of 1,750 pounds per acre of 5-10-9. A larger lapplication of fertilizer gave no benefit, either in the flowers or corms, and there were indications that a smaller amount would have been ample.
MISCELLANEOUS BULBS
TRITOMA; OR RED HOT POKER— A torch-like flower on long
stems; well above the foliage; each 10
TUBERO'SEl — Cream white flower on long stem; each 05
HYDRANGEA (HILLS OF SNOW)— This makes a perfectly round symmetrical bush that is covered from June to August with large, ipure white flowers. Plant only in the fall. Large
blooming plants; each 1.00
MADEIRA VINE — A climbing; vine with thick, glossy and long hanging stems of fragrant white flowers; selected large bulbs; each 10
FESTIVA MAXIMA
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 27
PEONIES
The peonies are among the most magnificent of our spring flowers. They are particularly valuable for border and hedging, where their brilliant hues add beauty to the entire surroundings.
Their requirements are so simple — a good, rich, deep soil. They are perfectly hardy and produce their wealth of flowers in great abundance.
Peonies may be planted any time from September until the ground freezes. Plant so the eyes will be three inches below the surface. Be sure and lay roots flat; do not stand them on end. All roots will be sent out about October 1st.
Our prices are for strong three to five-eye divisions.
DELICATISSMA — ^Pink opening to white; early; fragrant .75 DORCHESTER— A fine, upright grower, and of a color that is
rare in peonies — a delicate hydrangea pink .75
DUCHESS De NEMOURS — Medium size, pure white crown, with
sulphur- white collar; fragrant, early 75
EDULIS SUPERBA — A bright, clear pink; very early . . .75
FESTIVA MAXIMA — This is the finest white in existence and is
regarded as the queen of peonies 1.00
FRAGRANS — Large; dark pink; very late; a fine cut flower 1.00 HUMI — Large; globular flower; cherry pink, tipped white; very
fine 75
LATE ROSE — One of the finest cut flowers; a beautiful rose
color 50
MADAM FOREL — Large, globular pink, medium; early; fine;
fragrant 75
MARIE LEMOINE — ^Pure white with cream white center; rose
type; very late 75
MARIE STUART — A delicate lavender; makes a great show .50 QUEEN VICTORIA — Bomvb type; the very best every-day white; early; when cut a fine keeper; when in bud it has a faint
blush tint 50
RUBA SUPERBA— The very best red 1.00
SARAH BERNHARDT — Large apple-blossom pink; each petal silver tipped 2.00
28 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
CANNAS
They are the most useful summer flowering plant for bedding or massing and are very easy to grow. We ship out dormant roots with 2 and 3 eyes, sure to grow.
AUSTRIA — Fine yellow, green foliage, 3 feet high 25
BUTTERCUP — Buttercup yellow, green foliage; 3 feet high .25 CITY OF PORTLAND — A beautiful deep rose pink, extra large
flowers; 4 feet high 25
DAVID HARUM — Red, bronze leaf foliage; 3y2 feet high. . .25
EGAN DALE — Crimson, bronze leaf foliage; 3 feet high . . .25
EUREKA — Green leaved, creamy white flowers; very good .25 GLADIATEUR^ — ^^Brassy yellow, thinly slpeckled red; green
foliage; 3 feet high 25
GOLDEN GATE — Golden yellow, green foliage; 4 feet high .25
FIERY CROSS — Vivid scarlet flowers, green foliage 25
FIRE BIRD — A flne red flowered green leaved canna 25
KING HUMBERT — Fine orange scarlet; flowers of enormous
size; foliage dark bronze; 4 feet high . 25
METEOR — Dark scarlet, green foliage; 3 feet high 25
MME. CROZY — Red edged gold; very fine green foliage . . .25
QUEEN CHARLOTTE — Red edged with yellow; green foliage.
25
R. WALLACE — ^^Clear canary yellow; flowers large; green foliage; 4 feet high 25
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVEETON, LONG ISLAND 29
DAHUA COLLECTIONS
|
No. 1 |
These are my own selection; no |
No. 2 |
|
SEVEN |
two alike, and |
FIFTEEN |
|
for |
Collections Nos. 1 |
for |
|
50c |
and 2 labelled true to name. |
$1.00 |
These collections are not trash, but dahlias we have a large surplus of.
No. 3 TWENTY- FIVE for $3.50
Try one collec- tion and be more than pleased.
No. 4 THIRTY- TWO
for
$4.50
Many of those in Nos. 3, 4 and 5 are 25c., 35c.,
and 50c. dahlias.
No. 5 FORTY- ONE for $5.50
30 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
HOW TO GROW DAHLIAS
Da'hlias do well in most soils, but do best in a sandy loam.
Heavy soils can be considerably lightened by the use of coal ashes.
Do not plant under trees or near buildings.
The tubers should be planted about six inches deep and three to four feet apart each way.
Lay the tuber flat, with the eye, or sprout, pointing upward. Dahlias may be planted from May up to July 1st, but best results are obtained when planted between the 1st and 15th of June.
As soon as a plant has two or three pairs of leaves, pinch out the center of the plant, thereby inducing the growth of heavy side branches. The plant will not grow so tall, but will bear just as many flowers, and as a rule will do away with the use of dahlia stakes.
Commence cultivating the plants as soon as they are through the ground, and keep your ground in a mellow condition to the end of the season. Never allow a crust to form around your dahlias.
Poor soil, or soil inclined to bake, may be improved by the addition of well-rotted manure, which should be well spaded in.
After the dahlias have started to bloom, well-rotted manure may be raked into the ground around each plant every week with excellent results.
The size of the flowers may be increased by disbudding. Buds are usually born in sets of threes. The two side buds are removed, thus throwing the strength into the one remaining and giving a larger flower.
'Flowers should be cut in the morning, with the dew on them, and immediately plunged into hot water for a few seconds. The flowers, if then placed in cold water and kept in a cool place, will last a week or more.
As soon as the plants are killed by frost in the fall they should be dug up and, after being left in the open for a few hours to dry, packed in sawdust or sand.
Dahlias keep best in a cool place, where the temperature is about 45 degrees.
Divide the clumps in the spring, after the eyes begin to show.
RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND 31
HISTORY OF THE DAHLIA
The Dahlia is a native of Mexico, where it grew wild, and in its single form. Earliest history dates back to 1657, when it was called Acoctli by the Aztec Indians. Later the name was changed to Georgiana, after Professor Georgi of St. Petersburg, which name is still used in some of the foreign catalogs. It was again changed to Dahlia, in honor of Dr. Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist.
The Dahlia was first cultivated in the Botanic Gardens, at Madrid, Spain, in 1789, and at about the same time was intro- duced into England by the Marchioness of Butte.
Dahlia Variabilis, from which most of the common or Show Dahlias have originated, was single in its wild state. The first double forms appeared in 1814 and were credited to M. Donkelaar of the Botanical Gardens of Belgium. The Pompon form ap- peared about 1858, followed by the Decorative the origin of which is not clearly defined, but probably dates back some 40 or 50 years. Dahlia Juarezi, the first of Cactus Dahlia, was discovered in Juxphaor, Mexico, in 1872, by J. T. Vanderberg, and named Juarezi in honor of President Jarez of Mexico. It was sent by Vanderberg to an English florist, who exhibited it in England in 1880.
Dahlia tubers or bulbs were used as a food in Mexico and at one time in France. It was attempted to introduce them into cultivation in all Europe as a food for either man or cattle, but the taste was found nauseous to European palates.
32 RALPH BENJAMIN, CALVERTON, LONG ISLAND
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