Historic, archived document
Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
THE Aske NURSERIES
Nationally known for Wildflowers
BLOODROOT
“Grown in Vermont, Jt’s Hardy’’
1944 PUTNEY, VERMONT 1944
Page 2 THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUTNEY, VERMONT
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Please Kead Before Ordering
Our old friends are familiar with our business methods. For the benefit of new
customers who will be ordering plants from us for the first time this year, we give the
following information and suggestions.
TRANSPORTATION
The customer pays all transportation charges from Putney. We pack the plants and
deliver them to the local post office or express station without additional charge except
for wooden boxes when required. which are charged at approximately 5 cents per square
foot of outside area. We ship by parcel post prepaid and ask you to remit the amount
of postage as soon as you receive our notice of shipment. [Express shipments are sent
charges collect unless you make a specific request that they be shipped prepaid. In such
cases please remit at once the amount we notify you we have advanced for the express
charges. Our whole purpose is to get the plants to you as quickly and economically and
safely as possible.
GUARANTEE
All plants are guaranted true to name and free from disease. A certificate of inspection
accompanies every shipment. We further guarantee arrival of the plants in satisfactory
condition. Should any express shipment arrive in poor condition, obtain a bad order
receipt from your express agent and notify us immediately. In the case of parcel post
shipments damaged in transit, return them to us by return mail. We will not replace
plants under any other conditions.
PLANTING AND WATERING
Open the package and remove the plants as soon as received. Set them out at ‘once.
or, for second best, heel them in. Fruit trees and dormant shrubs may be left in a cool
cellar for a few days if the roots are kept moist in the packing material. Never wet
the tops of strawberry plants; it rots the crowns. Plants which have been delayed in
transit and have dried out considerably should be soaked over night in a pail or tub
of water before planting. A thorough soaking never hurts roses and fruit plants.
PRICES
The prices in this catalog are subject to change. but unless the difference is very small,
we shall not ship material at increased prices without your permission. We do not sub-
stitute without permission of the customer. In ordering roses and fruits of which there is
a national shortage, we suggest that you do permit us to substitute for any varieties sold out.
Always remember that quantity prices are for plants exactly alike in variety and size to
be sent in one shipment.
Please use the Latin binomials as much as possible when ordering.
One or two plants are priced at the single plant rate.
Jour or more plants receive the ten rate.
THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUT
EY, VERMONT Page 3
WILDFLOWERS
of North America
“The question is often asked me as to who should attempt growing wildflowers?” My
answer is anyone who likes them well enough to take care of them, for there are species
of North American plants that will thrive under almost any conditions if given reasonable
attention.
The following list
native
wildtlowers
—I*rom “Pioneering with Wildflowers,”
by GeorcE D. AIKEN.
is arranged alphabetically by their Latin
binomials. Please use these names when ordering.
BANEBERRY
(Actaea)
CLAMBERING MONKSHOOD, Aconitum un-
cinatum. This true Monkshood from the southern
Appalachians grows in any good garden soil and
likes something to climb upon. A native shrub
such as Arrow-wood will serve it very well. Bright
blue flowers in July.
SWEETFLAG, Acorus calamus. Blossom is a
spadix covered with minute, brownish yellow flow-
ers. Its rhizome is the source of candied Sweetflag
root. Wet soil. 2 ft.
WHITE BANEBERRY (DOLL’S EYES), Actaea
alba. Cream-white, feathery flowers in May fol-
lowed by clusters of glossy, snow-white berries each
tipped with a black dot. Light to dense shade in
leaf mold. 2 ft. or taller.
RED BANEBERRY, Actaea rubra. One of the
most permanent and most desirable plants. Fluffy,
white flower heads in May followed in July by fruit
of intense scarlet turning to crimson. Rich, moist
soil in partial shade. 2 ft.
WINDFLOWER, Anemone quinquefolia. Tiny
white drinking cups of the fairies in May. Good
woods soil in partial shade. As the plants com-
pletely disappear after flowering, care must be taken
not to disturb their roots during Summer. 4 to 7
in.
AMERICAN COLUMBINE, Aquilegia canaden-
sis. Scarlet and gold, spurred little flowers perched
iirily on slender stems in May and June. Look
loveliest growing out of ledge pockets. Do well in
sun or shade in any good soil. 1 to 2 ft.
GOLDEN COLUMBINE, Aquilegia chrysantha.
See the Perennial section for description of this
native of northern Arizona mountains.
SANDWORT, Arenaria stricta. woods soil. Partial shade.
3 to 4 in.
SWAMP MILKWEED, Ascelepias incarnata.
Deep rose-red flower heads on 3 to 5 foot stalks in
late June and July. Sun or very light shade in
moist loam or in boggy locations.
BUTTERFLYWEED, Asclepias tuberosa. If this
is a weed, we need more of them! Flower heads
varying from lemon yellow through orange to flame
in July and August. Plant in full sun in well
drained soil. Attracts hosts of butterflies. 1 to 2 ft.
NEW ENGLAND ASTER, Aster novae-angliae.
Deep blue flowers on 4 to 6 foot stalks in Septem-
ber. For the background of the garden, open sunny
glades or along the edges of woods or shrub borders.
Any good garden soil in full sun.
PINK NEW ENGLAND ASTER, A. novae-
angliae rosea. Like the above except that the
blossoms are rose-colored. Not so tall.
WILD CALLA, Calla palustris. Waxy white
flowers like the old-fashioned indoor Calla Lily,
but not so large. Blooms in June. Cardinal-red
fruits. For the damp border or to edge a pool.
5 to 9 in.
MARSH MARIGOLD, Caltha palustris. Pots
of gold for the sunny bog-garden. Brilliant yellow
flowers like large Buttercups in May and early
June. Rich glossy green leaves. Easy as grass to
grow and very hardy.
HAREBELLS, Campanula _ rotundifolia. No
flower has more grace than this one as it clings,
dancing in the breeze, on a dry cliff. The small,
blue bells are borne on delicate stems 9 to 12 inches
high. Blooms from June until frost, preferring
fairly rich, dry soil and full sun or very slight
shade. Don’t pass it up if you have a sea-side
garden in Maine.
WILD SENNA, Cassia marilandica. Clusters of
clear yellow flowers with small black stamens on
stalks often 5 feet high. Full sun in either dry or
wet soil. July and August.
BLUE COHOSH, Caulophyllum thalictroides.
Native in rich woods. Small yellow flowers with
purple sepals in early Spring followed by clusters
of intensely blue berries in late Summer. 2 ft.
TURTLEHEAD, Chelone glabra. White spikes
of flowers similar to, but larger than Physostegia
in September. Easily naturalized in rich, moist
soil. 2 ft. (See Chelone lyoni in Perennial sec-
tion.)
SPOTTED PIPSISSIWA, Chimaphila maculata.
An outstanding groundcover with its notched green
leaves mottled cream. Dainty, bell-shaped flowers
on 6-inch stems in June. Prefers a dry situation
with acid soil, thus the shade of fir or oak trees.
CREEPING SNOWBERRY, Chiogenes hispi-
dula. dark green foliage. Lives up to its
which is Swedish for “Lighthouse.” One of
FANAL.
above the
name,
the most notable new perennial introductions.
15 in.
Price: $1.00 each, 3 for $2.75.
BAPTISIA—WILD-INDIGO
BLUE WILD-INDIGO, B. australis.
rounded plant with clusters of pea-like,
flowers in June and July. 3 ft.
CREAM WILDINDIGO, B. bracteata.
colored flowers in June on well shaped plants.
well in partial shade; useful in borders
naturalizing. 2 ft.
BELAMCANDA—BLACKBERRY-
LILY ‘
B. CHINENSIS. A half-forgotten favorite of old
gardens, originally from China. Red-spotted, orange
flowers and _ blackberry-like fruits. Leaves like
Iris. Full sun and sandy soil delight it.
Price: 50c each, 3 for $1.35.
BOLTONIA
WHITE BOLTONIA, B. Asteroides. A com-
panion plant for Fall Asters, producing a magnificent
display of white star-like flowers on a bushy plant to
7 ft. tall.
VIOLET BOLTONIA, 8B. /atisquama. Mauve
pink. Neither so tall nor so rampant a grower as
the above.
CAMPANULA—BELLFLOWER
WHITE CARPATHIAN BELLFLOWER, C.
carpatica alba. A compact little plant for edging
or rockery. Dainty, bell-shaped blossoms on slender
stems above the tufted leaves from June to Otober.
8 to 12 in.
PEACHLEAF BELLFLOWER, C. persicifolia.
Blue and white, bell-shaped flowers on tall, grace-
ful stalks. A true perennial, much more graceful
than Canterbury-bells. Establishes itself perma-
nently in any good sunny or half shady location.
July-August. 3 ft
COVENTRY BELLS, C. rapunculoides. Dainty
spikes of lilac-blue, drooping, small bell-shaped
A shapely,
dark blue
Cream-
Does
and for
flowers in July and August. Will thrive in a
neglected place or among shrubs.
HAREBELL, C. rotundifolia. “Bluebells — of
Scotland.’ Myriad tiny, clear blue bells nod on
wiry stems 9 to 12 in. high. See Wildflower Sec-
tion for further description.
CENTAUREA
GLOBE CENTAUREA, C. macrocephala. Large
lemon yellow flowers, like thistles, on strong plants
3 to 4 ft. »
PERSIAN CENTAUREA, C. dealbata. Rosy-
pink flowers in July and August. 18 to 24 in.
Stock limited.
Perennials are 35c each, 3 for 90c, 10 for $3.00.
Quantities from 10 to 50 take the ten rate.
On orders for more than 50 of a variety,
we shall be glad to quote special rates, provided we have sufficient stock.
THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUTNEY, VERMONT
Page 15
CEPHALARIA
YELLOW CEPHALARIA, C. alpina. Yellow
flowers much like Scabiosa. Good for cutting. Tall.
CHELONE—TURTLEHEAD
PINK TURTLEHEAD, C. lyoni. A_ perennial
which, like Peonies is worthwhile for its mass of
dark green foliage alone. Large, pink, oddly
shaped flowers in August and September increase its
charm. 2 ft. 50c each, 3 for $1.35. (See Wild-
flower list for C. glabra.)
CHEIRANTHUS—WALLFLOWER
SIBERIAN WALLFLOWER, C. allioni. Bril-
liant orange flower heads, excellent in combination
with blue Linum perenne. Lasts long as a cut
flower. It is a biennial which reseeds readily every
year. Fragrant. 18 in.
CHRYSANTHEMUM—DAISY
COSTMARY, C.
scented foliage.
PAINTED LADY, C. coccineum. White, lilac.
rose and red daisies on fernlike foliage. Very gay
and good for cutting. June on. 2 to 3 ft.
SHASTA DAISY, C. maximum. Handsome,
large, daisy-like white flowers with golden centers,
blooming all Summer. 2 ft.
DOUBLE SHASTA DAISY.
with double flowers.
balsamita. Herb with sweet-
Like the above, but
HYBRID FALL CHRYSANTHE-
MUMS
The late Summer and Fall blooming
Hardy “Mums listed below have all with-
stood several Winters here very successfully
with little or no protection. They blossom
early enough to make a good display before
severe frosts destroy them.
ARGENTEUILLAS. Large red flowers.
ASTRID. Large. soft rose-pink. salmon shaded
flowers. Rich,
1% ft.
BARBARA CUMMING. Large, bronze- yellow,
3 inches across. Favorite early variety in bloom
early in September. 1 ft.
DAPHNE.
2; ft.
EARLY BRONZE. One of the earliest. hardiest
and best pompons. Grand for massing. Nice bronze
color. Early September. 11% ft.
HEBE. Silvery pink to lavender, single. Septem-
ber. Very popular with visitors here. 2 ft.
OCTOBER GIRL.
October. 114 ft.
PIGMY GOLD.
ber.
glossy foliage. Extremely hardy.
Beautiful old rose single. October 10.
Lavender-pink, semi-double.
Bright yellow pompon. Septem-
PRICES (except as noted otherwise):
THE CUSHION ’MUMS
August to October
KING CUSHION. Coppery
Variable but very good.
PINK CUSHION.
RED CUSHION.
COLCHICUM—AUTUMN CROCUS
C. AUTUMNALE (Meadow Saffron). Big, pale
lavender-pink blossoms appear most unexpectedly
late in the Fall. Similar in shape to the unrelated
Spring Crocus. The grassy foliage appears in Spring
and dies down in mid-Summer. 4 to 6 in.
CONVALLARIA—LILY-OF-THE-
VALLEY
C. MAJALIS. Universal favorite of old-time and
modern gardens. Succeed in any shady spot and
with no care at all bear the loveliest and most
fragrant of flowers. Mulch them with manure and
be surprised at the increase in size of the blossoms.
ROSE LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY. A most charm-
ing and unusual, light pink form of the preceding.
40c each, 3 for $1.05, 10 for $3.50.
COREOPSIS
LANCE COREOPSIS, C. lanceolata. Forms
large, dense clumps be: iring masses of rich yellow
flowers in June and, in lesser quantity all Summer
if kept picked. 2 to 3 ft.
CORONILLA
CROWNVETCH, C. varia. Lovely clusters of soft
pink, pea-shaped flowers borne all Summer on a vine-
like plant. Very good for covering banks, stumps,
rocks, or “‘tumble-down-walls.””
DELPHINIUM—LARKSPUR
BLUE GROTTO. A _ Delphinium _ belladonna
variety of strong growth with deep blue to royal
bronze to dull red.
A good, reliable pink.
Handy,
floriferous red.
purple-blue florets brightened by creamy white
centers. The finest of its type. 4 to 5 ft.
BELLAMOSA. Intense dark blue flowers. 4 to
5 ft.
PACIFIC GIANTS.
various shades of blue,
Tall.
SLENDER WHITE LARKSPUR (D. §grandi-
florum chinense). A dwarf variety with branching
stems profusely covered with white florets and fern-
like foliage. Continuously in bloom and of value
as a cut flower. 2 ft. .
TOM THUMB.
hagen blue flowers.
The popular new strain in
double and single florets.
Cute little form with Copen-
12 in.
WREXHAM STRAIN. The Hollyhock Larkspur.
A popular English strain wtih immense spikes of
giant hollyhock-shaped flowers in mixed shades with
dark blue predominating. June. 4 to 6 ft. 40c
each, 3 for $1.05, 10 for $3.50.
Perennials are 35c each, 3 for 90c, 10 for $3.00.
Quantities from 10 to 50 take the ten rate.
On orders for more than 50 of a variety,
we shall be glad to quote special rates, provided we have sufficient stock.
Page 16
THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUTNEY, VERMONT
DELPHINIUM (Delphinium hybrids)
DIANTHUS—PINKS
SWEET WILLIAMS, D. barbatus. Well-known
biennials producing rich masses of color in June and
July.
CRIMSON BEAUTY—Limited stock.
NEWPORT PINK.
SINGLE WHITE.
CRIMSON KING.
stock.
GRASS PINK, D. plumarius. The old-fashioned
Pinks with silvery gray foliage and clove-scented
blossoms. June. 18 in.
DICENTRA—BLEEDING HEART
FRINGED BLEEDING HEART, D. eximea.
Fern-like foliage and rose-pink little hearts from
May to October.
DICTAMNUS—GASPLANT
D. ALBUS RUBRA. Rich dark green foliage
somewhat like Peonies with racemes of rose-pink
flowers. A permanent plant which does not like to
be disturbed. 3 ft.
A hardy Carnation. Limited
PRICES (except as noted otherwise):
Quantities from 10 to 50 take the ten rate.
DODECATHEON—SHOOTING
STAR
D. MEADIA. A western prairie flower having
dainty, rose-pink or white flowers in May and June.
12 in. or taller.
~ECHINACEA—HEDGEHOG CONE-
FLOWER
Rose-purple,
E. PURPUREA. daisy-like petals
with dark chocolate, cone-shaped centers. July and
August. 3 ft.
EUPATRORIUM—HARDY
AGERATUM
MISTFLOWER, E£. coelestinum. One of the
perennials to start growth in Spring. In
One of the
latest
August it produces light purple flowers.
fairest Fall flowers. 11 ft.
EUPHORBIA—SPURGE
FLOWERING SPURGE, E. corollata. Tiny
ivory flowers in sprays. Excellent cut flower to
follow Gypsophila. August. 1 to 2 ft.
GAILLARDIA—BLANKET FLOWER
G. ARISTATA. Large single crimson Daisies with
yellow bands around the centers. Very colorful and
grows in dry soils. From June to frost. 2 ft.
SUN GOD. Golden yellow. 18 in.
GEUM—AVENS
Not for sale until Fall
MRS. BRADSHAW.
from June to September.
LADY STRATHEDEN. Like the
with golden yellow blossoms.
GY PSOPHILA—BABYSBREATH
BRISTOL FAIRY.
Fiery red, double flowers
above, but
Large, airy panicles of double
white flowers practically all Summer. Require a
lime soil for best growth. Our plants are grown
from cuttings to promote greater vigor. 50c each,
3 for $1.35, 10 for $4.50.
HELIANTHEMUM—SUNROSE
FICKLE SUNROSE, H. chamaecistus mutabile.
Amid all the rows of colorful perennials in our
nurseries, this little fellow stands out. The little
flowers like miniature roses, white, pink, red and
yellow, glow all summer on the low, spreading
plants with good green foliage. Sun loving and
drought resistant.
HEMEROCALLIS—DAY LILY
BETSCHER HYBRIDS.
July esate
LEMON DAY LILY, H. flava.
cléar, full yellow. June. 2% ft.
Yellow and orange.
Sweet scented,
Perennials are 35c each, 3 for 90c, 10 for $3.00.
On orders for more than 50 of a variety,
we shall be glad to quote special rates, provided we have sufficient stock.
THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUTNEY, VERMONT
Page 17
TAWNY DAY LILY, dH. fulva.
deeper shadings. July. 3 to 4 ft.
AMUR DAY LILY, H. middendorffi. Rich,
glowing orange flowers in July and early August.
ft.
Orange with
LATE DAY LILY, dH. thunbergi. Clear, lemon
yellow flowers tinged with pale green in July.
Grows best in cool regions. 3 ft.
HEUCHERA—CORAL-BELLS
PINK-BELLS, H. brizoides. Panicles of little pink
flowers. 214 ft.
ROSAMUNDI. Coral-pink bells. June-July.
18 in.
CORAL-BELLS, H. sanguinea.
June-July. 18 in.
HIBISCUS—ROSE-MALLOW
GIANT MALLOW MARVELS, H. moscheutos.
Huge single flowers shaped like Hollyhocks and
similarly borne on stalks. Brilliant red, pink and
white. July and August. 5 to 8 ft. tall. 50c
each, 3 for $1.35, 10 for $4.50.
HOSTA—PLANTAIN LILY
BLUE PLANTAIN LILY, H. caerulea. The
old-fashioned, large leafed blue flowered species.
WHITE PLANTAIN LILY, H. plantaginea. A
formal plant with large, bright green leaves and
fragrant white flowers growing like trumpets from
the stalks. 1% to 3 ft. 40c each, 3 for $1.05,
10 for $3.50.
THOMAS HOGG. Rare variety.
Leaves dark green edged with white.
3 for $1.05, 10 for $3.50.
HYSSOPUS—HYSSOP
H. OFFICINALIS. Herb. Aromatic leaves and
tops used for brewing Hyssop tea.
IBERIS—CANDYTUFT
EVERGREEN CANDYTUFT, J. sempervirens.
Coral red bells.
Blue flowers.
40c each,
Low, dense growth, glossy evergreen leaves and
clusters of snow-white flowers in late May and
June. 8 to 10 in.
INCARVILLEA—HARDY
GLOXINIA
I. DELAVAYI. An exotic beauty. Vivid rose
colored flowers in clusters in May and June. 50c
each, 3 for $1.35.
IRIS
CRESTED IRIS, Iris cristata. One of the finest
little rock or wild garden plants. Although grow-
ing only 4 to 6 inches high, this little chap struts
along the rocks or garden edge as gaily as though
he were the biggest of his family. In early May the
pees make a sky-blue carpet flecked with sunny
gold.
HEMEROCALLIS FULVA
WHITE CRESTED IRIS, J/ris cristata
Same as above, but pure white and gold.
CRIMEAN IRIS, J. chamaeiris.
bearded Iris, charming in Spring.
I. chamaeiris alba—white.
I. chamaeiris atroviolacea—red-purple.
alba.
Miniature
GOLDBEARD IRIS, J. flavissima. Another
dainty miniature bearded variety with flowers of
soft canary yellow and grass-like foliage. Grows
well in hot, dry locations in full sun.
ORIENTAL IRIS, J. kaempferi. Tall, beardless
Iris of great beauty. ‘‘The Orchid of the Garden.”’
Shipping season begins August 15th.
FASCINATION. Lavender, rose
combination.
GARNET. Rich mahogany red.
GOLD BOUND.
ings.
GRAY DAWN. Gray bordered red-violet.
MAHOGANY.
PYRAMID. Beautiful
with six petals.
CUBESEED IRIS, J. prismatica.
and_ white
Snow-white with yellow mark-
Deep velvety mahogany.
light blue, full
flower
Violet and
yellow. To 3 ft.
YELLOWFLAG IRIS, J. pseudacorus. Yellow.
3 ft. Good for wet locations.
TALL, BEARDED IRIS, I. germanica. We have
about 30 good varieties of which a list will be sent
on request. Shipping season opens July 15th.
Prices: 25c each, 3 for 70c, 10 for $2.25.
PRICES (except as noted otherwise): Perennials are 35c each, 3 for 90c, 10 for $3.00.
Quantities from 10 to 50 take the ten rate.
On orders for more than 50 of a variety,
we shall be glad to quote special rates, provided we have sufficient stock.
Page 18
THE AIKEN NURSERIES, PUTNEY, VERMONT
SIBERIAN IRIS, J. sibirica. Narrow, grassy
foliage with tall stems and flowers of various shades
of blue and white. Free flowering and good for
cutting.
MIXED SIBERIAN IRIS. 10 for $2.00.
EMPEROR. Blue. July. 3 ft.
PERRY’S BLUE. Clear blue. July. 4 ft.
SNOW QUEEN. White. July. 3 ft.
BLUEFLAG IRIS, J. versicolor. For sunny
swamps or marshy spots. Rich light blue flowers.
June. Zetonouit
LATHYRUS—HARDY SWEET PEA
PINK BEAUTY. Similar to the annual
Pea, but not fragrant. Requires support.
racemes of pleasing deep rose flowers.
LAVANDULA—LAVENDER
TRUE LAVENDER, L. officinalis. ‘‘Nose herb.”
The true sweet Lavender, wonderfully fragrant, blue
flowers in July and August. 14% ft. Must be
heavily mulched over northern Winters.
LIATHRIS—GA Y FEATHER
L. SCARIOSA. Large, showy purple spikes in
mid-August. Excellent for cut-flower arrangements.
2 ft.
L. SPICATA. Vivid lilac-rose
spikes in August and September.
a sunny place. 3 to 4 ft.
LILIUM—LILIES
AMERICAN TURKSCAP LILY, L. superburm.
One of the finest and hardiest native Lilies. Often
attains a height of 6 feet and bears a great many
Sweet
Large
flowers in dense
Of easy culture in
flowers of rich orange, having darker spots. Plant
in Fall.
CORAL LILY, UL. tenuifolium.