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%jhe Simpson <$ris gardens
H. P. SIMPSON : Grower

R F D No 1, : ROSSLYN : VA.

MANY OF THE FINEST BEARDED
IRISES, OF BOTH THE NEWER
AND OLDER VARIETIES, ARE OF-
FERED WITHIN THESE PAGES TO
GARDEN MAKERS WHEREVER
THE LOVE OF GARDENS EXISTS,
AND IN CONFIDENCE THAT
THESE MOST EASILY GROWN OF
ALL BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS WILL
SUCCEED WITH YOU AS THEY
HAVE WITH ME

The Simpson Iris Gardens are located at Living-
stone Heights, almost directly on the well-known
Lee Highway; this is just three-and-a-half miles
out from Washington, D. C. Visitors are wel-
come at any time during the blooming season.

Phone (from Washington) : Clarendon 188-W-2.

—2

JUST IRIS TALK

The season of 1925 has passed into history and I can
not remember one that was so trying from an Iris stand-
point. Many varieties were extremely sparing with their
blooms, and many blooms were abnormally small and
even a few were “off color.” This seems to have been
almost the universal experience east of the Mississippi;
North, late freezes and flooding rains; in the Central
States, frosts and the drouth and finally a hot wave; South,
drouth and extremely high temperatures. Any spring-
blooming plant could not help but suffer, and all around me
peonies were practically a failure. However, in spite of
Nature’s being largely against us, Mr. Adams, on a page
further on, tells you of the unusual amount of bloom in
my nursery rows that he saw, as compared with gardens
near and around, and many a visit did I make to these
rows, whenever a little spell of partial leisure permitted,
feasting on the beauty that was spread out before me.

The Iris is coming more and more into its own; its
popularity is increasing perhaps faster than that of any
other flower; and you can be called one of the blessed
when you yield to its magic spell, for it leads, as Mr.
Farr has put it, into a wonderland of delight. Its delicate
colors and richest of hues, its grace of shape, its actual
glories when in a mass planting, are beyond comparison;
no wonder that it develops enthusiasm in its followers!

But among the several hundred varieties what shall we
choose for our own gardens? Beauty is sometimes told
by the price asked and sometimes it is not; as an example,
take Ballerine, Ambassadeur, Mother of Pearl, Edouard
Michel, Madam Gaudichau — these are fully worth the prices
as listed and asked by some growers, while a good many
others priced at from five to fifty dollars are not worth
these figures to the average gardener — they may be to the
commercial grower, but not to you! I have in mind two
varieties, one usually selling for $1.50; the other for thirty-
five cents, and for real beauty the latter is worth much
more than the other. Furthermore, I would hardly want
the $1.50 one at any price, and my present intention is
never to list it.

Then again, beauty is not always bound up with size
and height; most of us want the large and tall ones to be
in the majority in our gardens, but there are many among
the most desirable Irises that are of medium size and
height — there are many of these that every one should

— 3-

have; and the dwarfs, as well, are not to be neglected
where very early blooms and edging plants are wanted.
So, in every garden there should be some of these different
types.

What are the best ones? We all have our preferences,
but it is good for us to see what others like; and should
many agree on certain varieties, this becomes very reliable
evidence that these certain ones are worth owning.

To begin with, Mr. Gersdorff, he of gladiolus fame, as
well as being an Iris grower, lists these as among the
best, regardless of price: Dusk, Bruno, Arlington, Asia,
Ambassadeur, L. A. Williamson, Mad. Gaudichau, Pros-
pero, Shekinah, Sophronia, Morning Splendor, etc., etc.

Mr. Bliss, the great English breeder, likes these as being
the best of the older kinds: Aurea, Flavescens, Innocenza,
Jacquesiana, Mad. Chereau, Perfection, Pallida Dalmatica,
etc., while of the newer kinds, he prefers Alcazar, Arch-
eveque, Iris King, Lady Foster, Monsignor, Rhein Nixe,
and others; of the newest he presents Ambassadeur, Asia,
Crusader, Ed. Michel, Lord of June, Magnifica, Prospero,
and others.

Then Mrs. Wright of Nashville, well known among Iris
lovers, says that she prefers Princess Beatrice, Alcazar,
Isoline, Flavescens,' Lohengrin, Iris King, Celeste, Jean
d’Arc, etc., for the lower priced ones; and Lord of June,
B. Y. Morrison Ed. Michel, Arlington, Prospero, Deli-
catissima, Asia, Ballerine, Dominion, Kashmir White, Mel-
rose, Ambassadeur, Titan, Shekinah, Sunset, Moonlight,
Dream, etc., for the higher priced ones.

Mr. Wayman, of Long Island likes best of all, Am-
bassadeur, Ballerine, Mad. Gaudichau, Shekinah, Dream,
L. A. Williamson, Anna Farr, Ma Mie, Asia, Parisiana,
Alcazar, Mother of Pearl, Magnifica, Fairy, Kashmir
White, Seminole, etc.

Dr. Merritt, of Washington, D. C., and Chevy Chase,
Md., prefers among the low to moderate priced ones: Iris
King, Rhein Nixe, Fairy, Princess Beatrice, Caterina,
Pauline, Parc Neuilly, Princess Vic. Louise, Juniata, Iso-
line, Jacquesiana, Ma Mie, Her Majesty, Alcazar, Anne
Leslie, Albert Victor, Quaker Lady, B. Y. Morrison, After-
glow, etc. While among the best, regardless of price, are
Mad. Gaudichau, L. A. Williamson, Arlington, Melrose,
Princess Beatrice, Crusader, Seminole, Morning Splendor,
Asia, Prospero, Hermione, Fairy, Ambassadeur, Caterina,
Rhem Nixe, Mother of Pearl, Alcazar, etc., etc.

Mr. Hubbard, of Indiana, likes Dominion, Mad. Gaudi-
chau, Lord of June, Mother of Pearl, Magnifica, Dream,
Sherbert, Ambassadeur, Ballerine, Princess Beatrice, Arch-

eveque, Asia, Alcazar, Oriflamme, Mile. Schwartz, and
many others.

Dr. Reed of the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, gives the
names of twelve varieties admirable for growing in an
ordinary garden, viz: Florentina, Kochi, Amas, Mrs. H.
Darwin, Albert Victor, White Knight, Prosper Laugier,
Rhein Nixe, Iris King, Loreley, Mad. Chereau, Mrs.
Allan Gray; to which he also added Oriflamme, Isoline,
Jacquesiana, Chester Hunt, and Alcazar, and concludes by
saying, “there are so many lovely ones!”

As a summary of the above, the varieties mentioned and
preferred by these experienced garden lovers, are worthy
of a trial by all of us, even though many of them are of
the moderately expensive kinds. I agree with most of the
preferences they have expressed. But perhaps you will de-
cide that nearly all of your planting must be of the low-
priced ones, and if this be so you can not go astray should
you select Innocenza, Fairy, Rhein Nixe, Ma Mie, Paris-
iana, Windham, Her Majesty, Archeveque, Monsignor,
Parc Neuilly, Kochi, Princess Beatrice, Albert Victor,
Caterina, Lohengrin, Oriflamme, Alcazar, Arnols, Quaker
Lady, Flavescens, Aurea, Iris King, Jacquesiana and
Minnehaha; but there are other good ones too!

Please note that I ship in the spring as well as in the
summer and fall; see the detailed statement on page 20
as to the exact dates. Also note that the Simpson-size
roots are neither “thumb-nailers” nor “nubbins.”

You will find that the catalog is different from almost
any that you have ever seen in that the effort is made
not to exaggerate or over-rate the different varieties;
and, furthermore, I am giving you the quoted opinions
of many Iris gardeners and judges rather than have you
depend upon mine only; these opinions and comments
are quoted exactly from the black-and-white state-
ments of others, and I think you will find them both
interesting and valuable guides.

■5—

CLASSIFICATION OF VARIETIES

Varieties are listed and classified according to their main
color scheme, and though this is difficult at times, it is be-
lieved to be much better than the old and now confusing
classification into neglecta, amoena, variegata, etc., groups
which nowadays tell you nothing in many cases, of the
dominating color of the variety. “S” means “Standards,” or
upright petals; “F” means “Falls,” or the drooping petals.

For your convenience however, if you have become ac-
customed to the old classification, it is briefly given and ex-
plained below:

Amoena (“pleasing”) — the standards are mostly white
with the falls usually of a blue or violet shade.

Germanica — of early flowering habits and shades of blue
to purple with falls of darker shades.

Neglecta (“neglected”) — standards range from lavender
to purple with falls of darker shades.

Pallida (“pallid”) — light and dark shades of blue, lavender
and purple with numerous approaches to pink and red;
generally tall or fairly tall growth.

Plicata (“pleated”) — Standards and falls usually have a
colored frill-like margin on a white ground.

Squalens (“daubed”) — standards of clouded shades of
fawn, copper or bronze, with darker falls of purple or brown-
crimson shades.

Variegata (“variegated”) — standards of various shades of
yellow, with brownish falls.

NAMES OF INTRODUCERS

The American introducers or hybridists named after the
varieties are Farr, Morrison, Miss Sturtevant, Kennicott,
Williamson, Kohankie, Fryer and Simpson; the English
are Bliss, Foster, Yeld, Ware, Parker, Barr, and Perry;
the French are Lemon, Cayeux, Jacques, Verdier, Vilmorin,
Millet and Denis; the German are Goos & Koeneman
(G. & K.).

—6—

THE VARIETIES

White or White Effects

ALBICANS — The old-fashioned early white. A large
bloom of fine shape. Fragrant. Shy bloomer, however, and
more than one root should be planted if you wish a bloom
or blooms the first season. This is believed to be an Arabian
plant, but there is still some uncertainty as to its origin-
16-20 inches 20c

ANNA FARR (Farr, 1913) — S. delicately feathered with
pale blue; F. pure white with a touch of blue at the base.
A white effect from a distance. An uncertain grower and
sparse bloomer in some localities, but a beautiful bloom.
One of the finest in its class, 36 inches 90c

FAIRY (Kennicott, 1905) — White, delicately bordered
and suffused pale blue. A very pretty bloom. Stems 36
inches tall and slightly bending, which is its only fault; not
new and not as well known as it deserves to be 25c

“Its standards and falls resemble sunkissed snow outlined by the faint
azure of the sky.”

FENELLA (Morrison, 1921) — A good, pure sturdy white
of vigorous growth on 18-24 inch stems; “not tall, but so
floriferous, the flowers so well carried and proportioned that
I think it will prove the most effective white for garden
massing,” says Mr. Sturtevant, Secretary of the A. I. S.
Arched standards and flaring falls 50c

“A fine white that I would rate 85 or over,” says one authority.

INNOCENZA (Lemon, about 1854) — S. and F. ivory-
white with a crest of rich gold. Not large, but a good
grower and a delicate, charming iris. Said by one authority
that “in masses it seems to be our greatest white variety.
One of our latest bloomers. 26 inches 25c

KASHMIR WHITE (Foster, 1913) — A most beautiful
white hybrid that wre owe to Sir Michael Foster. Flowers
of stout texture and perfect shape on 36-40 inch stems.
The finest white within reach of the average pocketbook,
and a fine, tall white is today the scarcest thing in irises;
Anna Farr is a tall, near-wThite and LaNeige is a dwarf near-
white. Somewhat slow to get established and should have
perfect drainage as well as plenty of lime in the soil. Roots
somewhat small ' $1.25

“Kashmir White is my tallest and best white, and is thrifty here (in
Michigan).

— 7—

“Kashmir White, Fairy, Anna Farr, Princess Beatrice, and Aurea
are my favorites.

“The grandest white for our locality (California); the past season
it was the one variety enjoyed above all others.

LA NIEGE (Verdier, 1912) — A warm near-white of
French origin; very pretty, and of medium size and height;
horizontal falls and of good substance, 16-18 inches .... 60c

MRS. H. DARWIN (Foster, 1893) — S. white; F. white
slightly marked with violet. A pretty little flower, and a
very profuse bloomer. 16-20 inches 20c

White Standards and Darker Falls

ANNE LESLIE (Sturtevant, 1918) — S. white with the
finest flush of rose; F. rich carmine. Said to be richer than
the similar French variety ‘Dalila.’ Rich color effect, and
a good grower, 24 inches .......60c

RHEIN NIXE (G. & K., 1910) — S. pure white; F. rasp-
berry purple, edged white. Vigorous grower and depend-
able bloomer. Tall and moderately large flower. One of
the indispensable varieties that should be in every garden.
30-34 inches 30c

Frilled and Dotted Effects

CAMELOT (Bliss, 1918) — S. and F. creamy white edged
with pale violet. About the tallest of the plicatas and a free
bloomer. 42-48 inches 50c

MA MIE (Cayeux, about 1906) — S. white, frilled violet;
F. white, penciled and margined violet. A lovely bloom.
Called by some an improved Madam Chereau, but it is a
much larger flower. 27-30 inches .35c

MADAM CHEREAU (Lemon, 1844) — S. and F. white
with distinct and rather heavy frilling of blue-lavender. The
old standard frilled variety and of good blooming habit. A
pretty flower and medium-size bloom. Tall. 36 inches. . .20c

PARISIANA (Vilmorin, 1911) — S. white, heavily dotted
lilac-purple; F. white, frilled at edge with lilac. A flower of

— 8—

unusual coloring and worthy of a place in any collection.
Odd and yet pleasing. 27-30 inches 35c

VICTORINE (Lemon, 1840) — S. white, mottled blue; F.
violet blue, mottled white. Medium-size flower and as

dainty and pretty as an orchid. 27 inches 25c

“In form and coloring this appeals to my sense of beauty strongly.”

Pink

EDOUARD MICHEL (Verdier, 1904)— Self-colored
large flower of a deep wine-red color, the deepest of all the
pinks. A grand iris and of imposing effect. Tall stems
and blooms finely held, 30-36 inches 75c

“Is admired above all others in my garden.

“Is a superb Iris and after certain preliminary difficulties are sur-
mounted, it blends inexplicably well in many striking combinations.

“Mr. W’s. Ed. Michel was simply gorgeous — it stood above everything
in his garden.

HER MAJESTY (Perry, 1903) — S. pretty shade of rose-
pink; F. darker with considerable veining. An attractive
variety and one that I like. 20-24 inches 25c

MRS. ALLAN GRAY (Foster, 1909)— S. and F. a deli-
cate, pale lavender or orchid-pink of a pleasing appearance.
Dainty and pretty. 24 inches 25c

PAULINE (Farr, 1913) — S. and F. unusually large rich
pansy-violet, or say, deep pink; rich orange beard. Ap-
proaches Edouard Michel in its coloring, but does not equal
it. One of the largest of the Farr hybrids. 36 inches. . . .35c

WINDHAM (Farr, 1909) — S. soft lavender-pink; F.
veined with darker shades. Not large, in spite of what
some catalogs are telling you, but a very pretty, delicate
pink. 24-26 inches 35c

Blue or P u r pie

AMAS (wild; Asia Minor) — S. deep violet; F. sky-blue;
one of the older varieties that is still liked. Fairly large
bloom. Early bloomer. 24-27 inches 20c

— 9—

ARCHEVEQUE (Vilmorin, 1911) — S. purple-violet; F.
rich, deep velvety purple. A stunning color and excelled
by none of its color in my gardens. Good grower and fine
bloomer. One of the richest color effects, 24-28 inches 30c

BALLERINE (Vilmorin, 1920) — S. light blue-violet,
broad and rounded; F. a little deeper shade. Large flower
on a tall stem; said to be among the very best of the French
varieties, and I regard it as one of the world’s finest va-
rieties. 3-4 feet $1.25

“I consider Ballerine nearly perfect in form.

BARONET (Sturtevant, 1920) — S. true chicory blue,
with falls somewhat deeper in tone. Tall and medium-sized
bloom. Color, tone and shading usually good 60c

“It is one of the most effective garden Irises that I have ever seen.
Close at hand it is not specially remarkable, but at a distance of thirty to
fifty feet it is scarcely surpassed for garden effects. Its growth is
strong and vigorous; the flower stands out finely and the blending and
shading of color at the proper distance is as fine as any Iris.” — F. B.
Mead.

KOCHI (wild; Italy) — S. and F. rich claret-purple. Early
and handsome. Its fault is that its blooms are likely to come
and go very quickly; it is a rich color and hlooms profusely,
but is not tall. 14-16 inches 25c

MME. GAUDICHAU (Millet, 1914)— A rich, black-
violet or black^purple bloom of large size and good sub-
stance; can hardly be called velvety in color, however.
Tall and strong and rather early. 38-40 inches $1.50

“Year after year it has been unequaled. It has vigor, beauty
of form and a richness and depth of dark blue coloring which
makes it a wondrously beautiful flower.

“More superb than ever. A vase of six splendid spikes stood
out in relief from the entire bewildering medley.

MONSIGNOR (Vilmorin, 1907) — S. rich violet; F. vel-
vety purple-crimson, heavily veined. Fine coloring and good
shape, though not a large flower. A late bloomer and of
unusual value on this account. 22-28 inches 35c

“A stately, massive and inspiring variety.”

MRS. FRYER (Fryer, 1917) — S. white, shaded helio-
trope; F. purple-crimson bordered, with a lighter shade, and
veins of white. Said to be one of the best of the Fryer in-
troductions, 32 inches 35c

OTHELLO (Lemon, about 1848) — S. rich blue; F. deep
purple. One of the best of the older varieties. Rather
small bloom, but a first-rate garden iris. Included by one
grower in his list of the best purples. 25-30 inches 20c

—10—

PARC NUILLY (Verdier, 1910) — Both standards and
falls are a rich purple self, approaching plum in color. Me-
dium to large blooms, and fine in masses; one of my in-
dispensable varieties, 21-24 inches 30c

PERFECTION (Barr, about 1880) — S. light blue; F. dark
violet-black. Handsome flower, but not quite as large as
I would like to see it, considering its bold contrasts. Has
more blossoms on the stalk than almost any other variety,
and still compares favorably with many of the novelties.
It always attracts attention. 28-32 inches 25c

SWATARA (Farr, 1918) — S. lobelia-blue with a warm
yellowish glow; F. bright violet and a conspicuous beard.
Cannot be said to be a large flower, though some catalogs
tell you it is, but it is a very pretty bloom with a warm,
rich effect. I regard it as one of the prettiest of the Farr
hybrids. 36 inches 35c

TAMERLANE (Vilmorin, 1904) — Deep violet-purple falls

with paler standards. Easy, rapid grower and a large, hand-
some flower. One grower has said that this should have
been called “Iris King.” Very effective in masses. 28-34
inches 30c

TROJANA (wild; Asia Minor) — S. pale blue; F. deep
violet-purple. Large flower. Not a very profuse bloomer,
however, and even the largest single rhizome may fail to
flower the first year. Late bloomer and tall stalk, 32-36
inches 20c and 30c

One grower calls this a giant flower with rich falls; another says
that it is of coarse texture and rather dull falls; the latter is nearer
correct in my opinion.

Lilac and Violet or Pin\-Violet

ALBERT VICTOR (Barr, 1885) — S. soft blue; F. deli-
cate, lovely lavender. Fine large blooms. Similar in color-
ing to P. Dalmatica, but taller and more erect. Good
grower and bloomer. 36-42 inches 25c

BASHI-BAZOUK (Sturtevant, 1919) — S. light lavender-
violet; F. deepening to mauve. A flower of large size with
long drooping falls, and of an unusual effect. A very satis-
factory bloomer and grower, 30-36 inches 60c

CATERINA (Foster, 1909) — Lavender-blue and lilac;
almost the same coloring as P. Dalmatica except with a little
pink showing. A beautiful flower and a graceful stem.

—11—

Taller and larger than P. Dalmatica. Said to be a poor
grower in very cold localities, but with me it is one of my
best growers and with not a single fault to find in it.
40-45 inches. Price (according to size) 30c and 40c

“One of the most superb Irises that I have and this means some-
thing for I have over two hundred varieties.

“As Mr. W. grows it, it easily maintains a deserved position among
the dozen best Irises I know of.

“Its fine color and smooth texture mark it as an aristocrat of the
garden.

CRUSADER (Foster, 1913) — F. deep violet-blue with
paler standards. The introducer claims this to be the finest
of all blue irises. Splendid form; reported to be a slow
grower by some, but it is not so with me. Mr. Wister
(President of the A. I. S.) says the more he sees of this
variety the better he likes it; he rates it 95 at least.... 75c

DELICATISSIMA (Millet, 1914)— Large flowers of fine
form and good substance. A general soft lilac and rose
effect with soft pink tones. A charming Iris. 3 feet.. $1.00

LADY FOSTER (Foster, 1913)— S. pale blue; F. light
bluish violet. Flowers unusually large, smooth and stout
textured. Splendid, bold bloom. Rather slow grower with
me. Praised very highly by some, 36-42 inches .90c

LEWIS TROWBRIDGE (Farr, 1913)— S. bright violet;
F. blue-violet, shaded rose. Vigorous grower and fine bloom.
One of the largest of the Farr hybrids. Somewhat like P.
Dalmatica in color, but with more rose in it, 30-36
inches 30c

LEONIDAS (Europe, 1901) — S. clear mauve; F. rosy
mauve. Large and of good form; as compared with P.
Dalmatica and Albert Victor, it is perhaps the most pro-
fuse bloomer of the three; tall, 30-32 inches 20c

LOHENGRIN (G. & K., 1910) — Rich silvery lilac shaded
deeper on the falls, of the tone of a Cattleya orchid. Fine,
widely expanded flower. Close to being an extra fine bloom,
says one grower. 30 inches 35c

Undoubtedly the most desirable of all the pallidas, says another grower,
which is rather strong language, but the variety has many admirers
without a doubt.

LORD OF JUNE (Yeld, 1916)— S. lavender-blue; F. rich
violet-blue. An exceedingly handsome iris of fine propor-
tions. Said by some to be one of the finest irises in the
world. Finely suited as a cut flower for the house; out
doors the petals are so large that they “flop” a little in warm
sunshine or high winds. Its color, form and size are ele-
gant, however, 30-36 inches ......90c

12—

MAGNIFICA (Vilmorin, 1920) — S. light violet-blue; F.
deep reddish-violet. Exceedingly large and long blooms on
a tall stem. Personally, I do not think it one of the finest
irises, but some do. Its color is good and its size immense,
3-4 feet. One of the new French introductions.. . . ..$1.50

MANDELAY (Sturtevant, 1918) — A pale violet self-
colored variety not unlike Caterina, but a better grower in
some localities. Fresh water-lily fragrant blooms. Large
flower and tall stalk, 36-38 inches 50c

MLLE. SCHWARTZ (Denis, 1916)— A large flower on
a tall stalk, of the palest mauve or a soft lavender-blue,
paler than P. Damatica. A lovely Iris and said to be one
of the finest of M. Denis’ seedlings. 40-48 inches $1.50

MOTHER OF PEARL (Sturtevant, 1917; Kunderd
1921) — A beautiful pale bluish lavender color most aptly
described by its name, and with the soft iridescent hues of
mother of pearl. To me this is the most beautiful of all of
Miss Sturtevant’ s productions and it is without a doubt one
of the finest Irises in the world. A good grower, a large
bloom and about 4 feet tall. This variety sold last year
for amounts varying from four to ten dollars. Roots still
a little small. Spring delivery, $2.00. August and fall de-
livery $1.50

MYTH (Sturtevant, 1918) — “A very large pallid lavender-
violet flower, the segments unusually broad. S. open; F.
widely flaring; most sumptuous in garden effect.” — Intro-
ducer’s description. 24 inches $1.00

NUEE D’ ORAGE, OR STORM CLOUD (Verdier,
1905) — S. slaty gray or heliotrope; F. bronze and purple.
A soft pastel effect. Very large blooms and vigorous
growth, 24-30 inches 25c

ORIFLAMME (Vilmorin, 1914) — S. light-blue; F. rich
violet-purple. Somewhat early and enormous, handsome
blooms; one of the largest of irises. 22-26 inches 50c

PRINCESS BEATRICE (Synonym Pallida Dalmatica;
wild, from S. E. Europe) — S. light silvery lavender; F. clear
and slightly deeper lavender. Large, fine blooms of per-
fect shape and admired by everyone. One of the older
varieties not yet surpassed by any of the newer ones. I
have the true variety, 30-34 inches. Prices, 30c, 40c, and
50c, according to size.

“One of the oldest Irises in existence and still absolutely
unequalled.

“The true Princess Beatrice is easily the most nearly perfect of
any Iris that I know of.”

—13 —

QUEEN ALEXANDRIA (Barr, about 1910) — S. fawn,
shot with lilac; F. lilac reticulated bronze at base. Smooth,
cool texture and a very attractive bloom. Sturdy growth
and good-sized flower. 20-22 inches 30c

SINDJKHA (Sturtevant, 1918)-— Deep dull lavender,
shading to dark buff and violet; subdued tints; form, size
and habit exceptional. A rich bloom. See below what Mr.
Bliss, the famous English hybridizer says of it, 36-42
inches 90c

“The large flowers of very tine form and exceptional substance ap-
pear to me to be akin to the type to which Dominion and T. A. Will
iamson belong, tho the coloring is not so strong and bright. It has also
the same sturdy stems and vigorous growth as these, and is free-
flowering.”

Another authority says “An established clump of this variety is ir-
resistible.”

Blended and Bronze Shades

ALCAZAR (Vilmorin, 1910) — S. light bluish-violet; F.
deep purple with bronze-veined throat. Somewhat somber,
but a rich, large, striking bloom. Thought by some to be
one of the richest effects in my garden. Late. 30 inches. 40c

“Unsurpassed as a garden clump.

“Among the more sombre blends it was as magnificent, or more so,
than it had ever been.

“With its tall and widely branching habit, makes probably the finest
specimen clump of any Iris. (A. J. Bliss.)

“Easily the most popular variety among the darker blends.

AFTERGLOW (Sturtevant, 1917) — Soft grayish lavender
shading to a rich yellow through the center. Of loose
pallida form and strong growth. Generally admired by all
who see it, 32-36 inches 60c

“Several of the Sturtevant seedlings in this garden ranked among the
aristocrats: Sherbert, and the exquisitely-toned Afterglow.”

AMBASSADEUR (Vilmorin, 1920) — Smoky bronze with
dark velvety maroon falls. Considered the finest of Vil-
morin’s seedlings and an extremely rich bloom. Large size.
32-36 inches $1.25

“If it were necessary to name the best Iris in the world today, I
would decide upon this variety.

“I would not change Ambassadeur in any respect.

“Most impressive and a splendid grower.

“In a class by itself and most imposing in substance, form and color.

14—

ARNOLS (Barr, 189 ) — S. bronze with rosy tints; F. rich
soft velvet. Handsome medium-sized blooms. Among the
bronze types this is one of the most attractive. Almost as
fine as Prosper Laugier and a faster grower. 24-26
inches 20c

“An old variety and was very splendid this season — finer far than
many a heralded new variety.”

ELDORADO (Vilmorin, 1910) — S. fiery opalescent; F.
old gold and burnt purple. A combination amazing and un-
usual in effect. Flower often comes small and with a weak
stem, but during a recent season (one with more rain than
usual) the stem was good and the flower large, though it
does not approach the ideal shape. 25-28 inches 35c

“Eldorado was in beautiful form, and, massed with the exquisitely
blending Quaker Eady, made a stunning corner in the garden. Both
of these varieties are favorites with me.

“Eldorado was again the one to maintain the longest season, Monsignor
being next.

ISOLINE (Vilmorin, 1904) — S. pinkish lilac; F. old rose
with a tinge of copper. A beautiful piece of coloring and
hard to describe. There isn’t a thing in the garden that
excels it in sheer beauty of coloring. Large flowers, but
a shy bloomer at times. Tall, 36 inches 35c

“An indescribably beautiful thing. The stalk is magnificent and the
buds just before unfolding are awe-inspiring.

“Among the finest pinkish Irises in existence.

“It resembles nothing but itself. There mingle in its tall uprights
and broad falls all the pale shades of auburn, sepia and rose.

IRIS KING (G. & K., 1907) — S. rich yellow shaded fawn;
F. rich maroon with yellow beard. Fine coloring and a
handsome iris, but not large, even though some growers
describe it as such. One of the indispensables that should
be in every garden. About 26 inches 35c

JACQUESIANA (Lemon, 1840) — S. bright copper-crim-
son; F. rich maroon. Among the best of the older varieties
and still holds its own with Iris lovers. 30-36 inches .... 30c

“Is of striking beauty and stands well at the front of the old varieties.

“We prefer it to P. Eaugier, but most visitors prefer the latter.

L. A. WILLIAMSON (Williamson, 1918) — S. soft cam-
panula-violet; F. velvety royal-purple; brilliant golden
beard. Massive in flower and growth. Said by some to be
one of the finest in the world, 36-42 inches 90c

“This is the best Iris seedling that has yet been raised in America.
The flowers are very large, of the finest form and of great substance,
surpassed only by Dominion. The coloring is rich, velvety and bright
tho the crimson-purplish tone in the red-brown falls make it a little

—15—

harsh. It is exceptionally free-flowering. Few, if any, Irises can claim
such all-round excellence.” A. J. Bliss.

“These three Irises (L. A. Williamson, Alcazar, and Ballerine) were
the monarchs of my garden the past season.

PROSPER LAUGIER (Verdier, 1914)— S. smoky-brown;
F. rich wine-red. Handsome and one of the best of the
bronze varieties. Not a large flower, however. 30 inches, 35c

PROSPERO (Yeld, 1920) — S. pale lavender; F. velvety
red-purple. Large blooms of good substance and a reliable
grower. Tall, stiff, well-branched stems. Unusually fine
iris, and ranks up among the best of the English introduc-
tions. 35-40 inches $1.25

“These two (Asia and Prospero) possess so many good quali-
ties of height, size, substance and color that they will always
rank among the finest.

“Among the Vilmorin Irises. Magninca, Amoassadeur, Alca-
zar, Isoline, . . . were so regally beautiful that they can not
possibly pass unmentioned.

QUAKER LADY (Farr, 1909)- — S. smoky lavender with
yellow shadings; F. ageratum-blue and old gold. Odd and
attractive. Not large but considered to be one of Farr’s most
atttractive and popular seedlings, 30-33 inches 35c

SHERBERT (Sturtevant, 1918) — S. drab and cinnamon
and purple; F. dahlia-purple shaded lighted at edges. An
odd blending of colors. Flexuous and tortuous stems which
are a pronounced defect in this variety. Good grower and
large blooms. This variety was priced last year at one
and two dollars by some growers. 32-36 inches 50c

Yellow

AUREA (Jacques, 1834) — S. and F. rich chrome-yellow.
Perhaps the finest yellow at a low price. Good sized, but
not large blooms of fine form. 24 inches 25c

“The best all-round yellow garden Iris; it seems to tone so well with
many of the other varieties that it is very useful in quantities.”

DAWN (Yeld, 1912) — Very pretty sulphur-yellow bloom,
amber-veined at the throat. One of the newer English in-
troductions. Attractive bloom, tho small. 28-30 inches. 35c

DARIUS (Parker, 1873) — S. clear rich yellow; F. lilac-
blue rimmed with white. Quite pretty and dainty, but
not a large bloom. 18-22 inches 20c

“This old variety has not ye+ been equalled in its class by any of the
newer introductions. . . . Its standards are a clear, beautiful yellow

—16—

and the hazy lilac color of its falls seems to detach it from the earth
and the rest of the plant, and give it that evanescent quality for
which the Iris surpasses all other flowers.”

EMPIRE (Sturtevant, 1918) — A warm deep yellow,
taller than Aurea and deeper in color than Shekinah. A
winner of several awards at Iris show^s. Not a large
bloom, however. 30 inches 50c

FLAVESCENS (Europe, before 1830) — Both standards
and falls are soft yellow; wonderfully delicate, and of good
size and growth. One of the older yellows that still retains
its hold on the iris public, 30-32 inches 20c

HELGE (G. & K., 1908) — Both S. and F. lemon-yellow
One of the early or “intermediate’’ types, and of good size
and form. 12-15 inches 20c

LORELEY (G. & K., about 1909) — S. light yellowr; F.
ultramarine bordered with cream. Good grower and strik-
ing contrasts, 30 inches 25c

“I,oreley is a gem and the fastest multiplier on my place.”

MINNEHAHA (Farr, 1913) — S. creamy white, shaded
yellow; F. same, but heavily marked with maroon. Blooms
of good size. One of Farr’s hybrids that is more esteemed
in Europe than most of his other introductions. Rather
massive and distinct. Listed, in the past at one dollar by
most of the growers. 24 inches 35c

MRS. NEUBRONNER (Ware, about 1898)— S. and F.
very deep, rich yellow. Its color is good, but its height and
size and shape are against it. I am listing it for there is no
other yellow so deep and intense. 14-16 inches 20c

PRINCESS VICTORIA LOUISE (G. & K., 1910)—
S. soft clear yellow; F. rich plum, bordered cream. Gay
and gaudy and good for lighting up dark spots in the garden.
Of good size and growth and very floriferous. 24-30
inches 25c

SHEKINAH (Sturtevant, 1918) — A pale lemon-yellow
pallida, not large in size, but on a moderately tall stalk, and
generally admired. One of the newest and best of the
tall yellows. 30-34 inches $1.00

SHERWIN WRIGHT (Kohankie, 1915)— S. and F. both
a rich golden yellow, though rather small bloom. A good
grower and bloomer. 2 feet 25c

17—

THE SIMPSON SEEDLINGS

ARLINGTON (1924) — S. Clear rosy lavender;
F. bright velvety reddish violet, almost crimson in
effect. It is a very large bloom and a thrifty grower.
This seedling has been highly commented on and
many have said that it is one of the prettiest flowers
they have ever seen. 32-36 inches __$3.00

“Arlington is to be preferred to Lent A. as the latter
changes color with the weather so quickly that it is hard
to identify in another garden. — Michigan.

“Arlington was well-shown and much admired; I never
saw anything bloom like it. — Tennessee.

“The general view of it is that it is an exceptionally
fine, upstanding plant and a remarkably rich flower, hold-
ing its own amidst some of the richest of the new in-
troductions.— Massachusetts.

“An established clump of Arlington made a fine effect
as the flowers were large, the stems of good height, and
the flowers a rich bi-color composition that is quite telling.
I have been1 somewhat put to it to think up a proper
companion to plant alongside this, in an effort to bring out
and to emphasize! the fine red-purple of its falls. — Cali-
fornia.

“Your Arlington is better than L .A. W. in that it is taller,
of better color and without the somberness of that variety.
It is a thoroughly good Iris. — Alabama.

“Arlington is in all its glory; one of the rhizomes you
sent has a wonderful bloom. I think it is as fine an Iris
as I have ever had. — Tennessee.

MELROSE (1926) — Formerly known as seedling 4a. A
large bi-color, both S. and F. being shades of lavender and
purple; a thrifty grower and a profuse bloomer, blooming
last season when dozens of other varieties failed to show
either a single stalk or else entirely too few. It is true
that it is of a type and in a class where there are already
too many varieties, but this has stood all tests so well,
and has been rated so highly by experts that this is my
excuse for introducing it. In the soft light of a late after-

-18-

noon it becomes one of the prettiest blue-purples that I
have seen. Rated at 90 by two of the most competent ex-
perts in the country, which places it up among the best.
I am introducing it at a figure that any one can afford
and I believe you will like it. Height 26 inches $1.50

“Although but a single division planted late last August, it
bloomed this season. The one flower stalk had five immense
blooms — two of which withstood two days of intense heat (well
over 90°) with a scorching wind blowing continuously. We
liked the bloom, the color, the texture and shape, and its en-
durance under trying conditions. The color shows to especial
advantage in the late afternoon. It certainly attracted at-
tention in my garden where I grow some two hundred varieties.
— B. B. H., Elgin, 111.

“My little display consisted of Arlington, No. 4a, Princess
Beatrice, Queen Caterina, Lord of June, Ambassadeur, and
Iris King, with yellow Spanish Iris, yellow lemon lilies and
Therese peonies. It was a dream and I had many compliments.
Mr. C. says that 4a easily rates 90; it is a good Iris and I like
it. — K. P. W., Nashville, Tenn.

CALEBEE (1915) — An Indian name, pronounced ‘Ca-le-
by.’ An unusually rich plicata; S. lavender and white, with
reddish-brown markings, particularly on the falls, giving
the entire flower an attractive bronzy effect. Medium size
bloom and somewhat narrow petals. A very pretty effect
that attracted many who have seen it blooming. Good
grower. 22-24 inches. $1.25

Of the seedlings mentioned in last year’s catalog, as
having been given Awards of Merit at the big Washington
show of 1924, No. 3a, the largest bloom in the show, has
proven to be such a poor grower that it will probably
never be introduced; No. 49a, a deeply colored rich bloom,
is still under trial, while No. 29a, a beautiful plicata, has
not yet grown enough stock in sufficient quantity for it to
be listed. Any seedling of my own must show good
growing and blooming habits, or else it will not be listed
and sold; I am positively committed to this and it will be
adhered to as long as I am in the business of growing
Irises.

The American Iris Society’s bronze medal was awarded
my general display of seedlings at Washington in 1924.

—19

FINE COLLECTIONS AT LOW PRICES

For those beginning the fascinating culture of Irises, a
collection of twelve varieties, all named, will be sent for
$2.50. The varieties will be Ma Mie, Albert Victor, Tamer-
lane, Her Majesty, Lewis Trowbridge, Pauline, Innocenza,
Rhein Nixe, Princess Vic. Louise, Parisiana, and Victorine.
This collection can be highly recommended to any one be-
ginning their venture into the glories of Iris-land.

A somewhat more expensive one, comprising Fenella,
Archeveque, Myth, ^Alcazar, Quaker Lady, Minnehaha,
Monsignor, Oriflamme, Isoline, Dawn, Parc Neuilly, and
Windham, will be sent for $3.75, which is a dollar cheaper
than if these varieties were bought separately.

Or, regardless of price, twelve of the very finest kinds
comprising Anna Farr, Princess Beatrice, Ballerine, Cate-
rina, Ed. Michel, Crusader, Rhein Nixe, Mad. Gaudichau,
L. A. Williamson, Prosper©, Shekinah, and Melrose will

be sent for $9.00 a saving of nearly two dollars, if they
were bought separately. Most of these are among the
aristocrats of the garden, but note that three of the low-
priced ones, Rhein Nixe, Princess Beatrice and Caterina,
were included, for even the best collection would be in-
complete without these beautiful varieties.

—20—

WHAT THEY THINK OF THE STOCK
I SEND OUT

The extracts given here are from actual letters on
file that have been received from appreciative
customers :

I have bought Iris before of a number of dealers and I
am free to say that your’s surpassed by a very great deal
anything I have had. — L. H. F., Dist. of Col.

If I must write and tell you how well the plants you sent
me last June have done — especially the ones considered by
so many the hardest to grow: Kashmir White, Ed. Michell
and Caterina — have all grown wonderfully well. Without
exception they have surely shown how splendid must be the
quality of the stock sent out. — T. P. H., Pennsylvania.

If My Iris package arrived and it seems to me that you
have given me twice as many as I am paying for. I am
putting them in today and shall await the season of bloom-
ing with great expectations. — M. S. G., Virginia.

The Iris roots came today and are very fine. — F. E. D.f
Massachusetts.

If Your rhizomes were well supplied with root systems;
one in particular had the largest mass of roots I have
ever seen on a plant. — I. A. D., Dist. of Col.

If I wish to thank you for the very generous manner in
which you filled my order — fine roots and an extraordinary
conception of “single” roots. — E. T. H., Virginia.

If I was so very pleased with the roots that you sent me,
that I am sending you another order. — G. R. P., Virginia.

If I bought Princess Beatrice from seven different growers
and only yours pulled through the winter — the worst winter
we ever had. — K. P. W., Tennessee.

If I don’t think I have ever lost an Iris that came from
you; they have always been good, strong roots. — E. C. S.,
Tennessee.

-21-

TERMS OF SALE

Cash with order by either check or money order.

Orders of less than one dollar are respectfully declined.

Five per cent discount on all orders of $10.00 or over;
i. e., if your order is for $10.00, send only $9.50, and so on.
This discount does not include the three Collections de-
scribed on page 19.

Also, six roots of any one variety priced at one dollar
or less, each, will be sold for the price of five roots; twelve
will be sold for the price of ten.

Should the order be large or fairly large, say for $20.00
or more, it may not be convenient to remit the full amount
at once; in this case remit 50 per cent with your order,
and the balance can be paid within one, two or three
months. When the order is mailed please state explicitly
just when the balance will be sent.

Shipping Time; My preference, and that of the great
majority, is after the plants have bloomed, which with me
is after June 10th. From this date until September 1st, is
undoubtedly the best transplanting time; and to prove this,
I do all my own transplanting then! However, I can ac-
commodate those who wish the roots delivered in the spring
if they will so direct me and they can be shipped, if you
wish it done, about March 15th to May 1st. They will
not be shipped during the blooming period, which as a
rule is from May 1st to June 10th or 15th.

Size of Roots: They are mostly of the so-called “blooming
size” (the rarer varieties will run somewhat smaller, how-
ever), though it has been found that about one-fourth of
these will not bloom the first season after transplanting,
due to some cause which no one can control. Different
varieties give us different-sized rhizomes; for instance,
Windham, Iris King, Aurea, Othello, etc., naturally produce
small ones, while Caterina, Lewis Trowbridge, Arlington,
Pauline, and others, produce the larger ones. However,
when they are small, and if only one be ordered you will
probably find two or a small clump in the package, in-
stead of one!

Satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed to all reasonable pur-
chasers. On receipt of an order, if unsatisfactory to you,
return the roots promptly in good condition and the pur-

-22-

chase price will be as promptly remitted. I am not in the
Iris business simply to make money out of it, and any other
policy than this would utterly fail to be satisfactory to me.
Be reasonable, though, please, and if you have never bought
Iris before, do not expect the earth for the prices asked.
I do not send out “nubbins,” as some growers do, but still
keep in mind what was said above, that some varieties
naturally grow small rhizomes, while other$grow large ones.

A Word of Caution: Go slow about ordering any of the
very expensive American or foreign varieties, unless you
have seen them blooming and hence knowT them; — I mean
those costing five, ten and fifteen dollars or more. Many
of them are absolutely not needed in anyone’s garden, and
many of them are not worth over one or two dollars each —
much less five or ten!

AN ELEGANT EFFECT!

The beauty of even a few clumps can not be over-
described, while that of many clumps, or a mass planting
in full bloom is a glorious sight.

In order to get this clump effect quickly try the planting of six,
eight or ten roots together of one variety in this spot and of another
variety in that spot, and so on. There are many inexpensive kinds
that can be used in this way.

A MEMORANDUM PAGE

Varieties that I must have :

The Simpson-size roots will not disappoint you — some others
might, and some others undoubtedly would !

Dont plant deep — barely cover the rhizomes, but push the
fibrous or feeding roots into the ground as far as you can.

—24—

A MEMORANDUM PAGE

Varieties that I must have :

Of all the most beautiful flowers in the world, the bearded
Irises are the most easily grown ones, and they are the least
exacting as to soil and attention; with what wonderful blooms
though, do they repay you for your care!

On May the 23rd the American Horti-
cultural Society took advantage of the
kind offer of Mr. H. P. Simpson to visit
his Iris Gardens near Rosslyn, Virginia.
Automobiles were furnished by members
of the Society.

The display of Iris was very magnifi-
cent despite the two previous hot and
windy days which were very trying on
the fragile blooms. Mr, Simpson’s new
introduction “Arlington” was seen in
good form and from the rows of four or
five hundred plants nearby one could see
what a splendid mass planting it made.
There were other note-worthy seedlings,
particularly an unusual red one, (Anda-
lusia), which attracted everyone’s favor-
able comment. A Parc de Neuilly seed-
ling was conspicuous because of its fine
blue coloring and its splendid height
and vigor. Several plicatas were superior
in height and number of blooms on a
stalk to anything now in the trade. The
unusual number of blooms in the garden
was surprising, especially so when one
considers that we had several late frosts
that made a good many varieties come
blind.

Refreshments were served under the
shade of the historical Virginia trees and
after a most delightful afternoon the
Society and friends returned to Wash-
ington City.

J. M. R, Adams.

®— — — -s

“]^/[Y garden paths that turn and wind
And lead me far from daily grind
Of tasks not wholly to my mind,

Are paths of peace.

When cares upon me weigh and press
I flee from worry, care and stress,

And gain a season’s sweet redress
Along these paths.

They lead me out to life and light,

Afar from fear’s most deadening blight;

They lead me up the spirits’ height;

My garden paths.”

— Edith Porter Kimball

■ ~ — — - ■ g