THE DAHLIA. 45 



CHAPTER IX 



DAHLIAS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. 



THERE are now varieties of almost every conceivable color, form and habit; and, where 

 the finer varieties are known, they are largely used and highly prized, for all floral pur- 

 poses. There are many varieties that are similar in color, and from a general description 

 would be called identical ; yet, owing to form and habit, they are entirely dislinct, and each 

 is pre-eminently adapted to some special purpose. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance 

 that the various characteristics of each variety should be given in the descriptions, that the 

 monotony and general similarity of the descriptive list can be avoided, and thus assist the buyer 

 in selecting varieties for any special purpose. In the past, Dahlias were grown chiefly as 

 garden plants, where color was of importance, and little attention was given to any particular 

 shade or tint of that color; but with the knowledge of the adaptability of the plant to condi- 

 tions, and its value for so many special purposes, varieties to supply these needs were pro- 

 duced. Therefore, the time for buying and growing Dahlias under color is past, and both 

 the amateur and the grower will select certain named varieties for a certain purpose. 



There was a time when Dahlias for commercial cut flower purposes must have stiff stems, 

 but now with the best florists this makes no difference, in fact, several have told me they prefer 

 a pliable neck, as they wire every flower they use, and for decorations they sometimes cannot 

 get the effect they want from the rigid stem varieties. Now, then, we all prefer a Dahlia with 

 a long stiff stem — many won't grow any other kind; but think of the relief, not to speak of 

 the increased variety and artistic and decorative effects. 



Dahlias are now used for every purpose in their season, as a cut flower for every conceiv- 

 able purpose they are used with most effective results. In fact, there is no use a flower can be 

 put to — bold, subdued, chaste, artistic or striking — that the proper Dahlias cannot be selected and 

 used more effectively than any other flower available. 



The wonderful variation in form alone from the various singles, duplex, pasony, collarette, 

 anemone, decorative, cactus and ball, with their distinctive types. Then their variations in foliage, 

 habits, colors and blendings of colors in each of these classes and types of classes. 



A bed of Minnie Burgle will surpass any bed of cannas in general satisfaction, as it will give 

 the rich glowing red effect and a daily decoration for the house will not be missed. 



It may not be amiss to state that this grandest of all red Dahlias is a product of the Mare 

 Island Navy Yard, San Francisco, and a credit to Uncle Sam and his gardener who produced 

 it. It is not alone the large size and rich vermilion cardinal red of the flower, but the strong, 

 vigorous plant, that just blooms and blooms and then blooms some more, until killed by frost. 



What variegated, yellow and red canna can compare with a bed of famous Geisha? These 

 beds not only are grand from a distance, but exquisite from a close inspection and are nice to carry 

 into the house or give to friends. 



You can have a bed of pompons in one or more colors. Snowclad is well named white ; Klein 

 Domitea would give you a bed of copper, with a corresponding wealth of pleasure and satisfaction. 



For general garden culture I will name a few of the best in the two types that appeal most 

 as to size and general loveliness : 



Cactus — Bridal Robe, Crystal, Electric, H. H. Thomas, Conquest, Fulgent, Marathon, 

 Mauve, Queen, Kalif, Marjorie Castleton, Monarch, Nellie Riding, Regularity, Rev. T. W. 

 Jamison, Richard Box, Success, Stability, Wodan. 



Decorative — Ayeshia, Beloit, Bertha von Suttner, Bloemhove, Dr. Tynell, Flamingo, Grand 



