Our 

 ••••• 



Excelsior HYBRID 



CANNAS. 



Strain 



OF 

 SUPERB 



If 



E have observed with the keenest interest the almost magical development of this majestic plant during the 

 past few years, and the rapidity with which it has grown in popular estimation. From the old Indian Shot 

 Plant, with its inconspicuous and commonplace blossoms, to the types of the modern Canna has been a trans- 

 formation wonderful in nature and decidedly pronounced and fruitful of results. We surmise that these 

 newer acquisitions to the lawn, the border and the piazza will be welcomed with delight by all lovers of the beau- 

 tiful, who are constantly on the alert to secure new, rare and valuable novelties to still further add to the charm 

 and beauty of their home surroundings. It is scarcely three years since the introduction of this wonderful 

 plant has been attempted on an extensive scale ; during the interval, we have been assiduously at work, nursing 

 our handful of seedlings, experimenting and hybridizing, comparing notes with the results obtained by others 

 laboring in the same direction, until we have succeeded in producing the five remarkable and distinct types 

 described below. We claim that this is absolutely the finest strain of Cannas that has ever been originated, 

 and that the several varieties are much superior in every respect to existent creations. We make this assertion 

 boldly, fearlessly, and, we believe, truthfully ; having had the best opportunities for comparisons with other 

 sorts, but, as yet, have been unable to discover any specimens that equal them. They are the products of skilled 

 and scientific hybridization of the best varieties obtained from time to time in Europe and America, and the 

 results secured have more than exceeded our expectations. It is difficult for brush or language to describe the 

 magic symphony of iridescent color which the combined association of this group presents. The foliage of all 

 the varieties is massive and luxuriant, which in itself comprises a strikingly picturesque and decorative fea- 

 ture, and imparts a tropical aspect to their immediate surroundings. 



^•.DESCRIPTIONS^. 



Golden Star. 



^ Oriflamme. 



Anonyma. 



A seedling of the well-known Star of '91 ; habit, dwarf and compact ; rich, dark- 

 green foliage, of tough, leathery substance ; vigorous and robust grower and free 

 bloomer. The flowers are of a deep, rich and golden yellow and are produced in 

 massive, compact trusses, the plant, when fully matured, producing four to five 

 -of these trusses. Excellent for bedding or massing, and, because of its dwarf 

 habit, especially desirable for a house plant. 52.00 each. 



The result of a cross between Mad. Crozy and Star of '91, resembling the former in 

 constitution, vigor, profuseness and brilliancy of bloom ; luxuriant foliage ; large, 

 handsome truss, with petals singularly and beautifully variegated, scarlet bor- 

 '•dered with yellow; exceedingly lovely and attractive. $2.00 each. 



A descendant of Mad. Crozy, crossed with Nepalensis (a wild species) ; a superb 



y-» i/< specimen; ample foliage; large and graceful habit, sometimes attaining a 



UranjTe IVinj£. height of four feet and surmounted with a gorgeous crown of pure orange- 



^ colored blossoms; extremely floriferous and a constant bloomer; a most striking 



figure for the yard or lawn. $1.50 each. 



A seedling from Mad. Crozy ; rich, deep yellow, evenly dotted with very small, 

 Cl"OWn Jewd. bright scarlet points; strong and free bloomer, with large, perfectly formed 



* trusses held well above the dark-green foliage; grows about three feet high; 



^^always in bloom and a strong, excellent variety. $1.25 each. 



The resultant type of a number of careful crosses of the well-known crimson 

 Canna, Alphonse Bouvier, with various species. We have selected six represen- 

 tative seedlings, differing slightly in form of flowers and manner of growth, but 

 all possessing the rich velvety crimson and scarlet tints of Bouvier. As they differ 

 so slightly, and in order to avoid prolixity, we have concluded to send them out 

 ^all under the one name. For dazzling richness and freedom of bloom and tropical 

 luxuriance, the strain is ttnequaled and sure to please the most exacting. The 

 plants will average four feet in height and are very graceful and substantial. 

 75 cents each. 



j[Vl»sceIIaneous £annas. 



MADAM CROZY. 



This fine specimen still claims recognition as being one of the best ; it seldom exceeds four feet in height ; 

 flowers very large, brilliant scarlet, bordered with golden yellow; can be had in bloom throughout the year. 

 We have a large stock of this standard and popular variety, strong, pot-grown plants, ready to bloom. 25 cts. 

 each ; 5 for Si. 00. 



STAR OF '91. 



Very dwarf habit, and, with the exception of Golden Star, one of the best pot varieties ; flowers, bright orange 

 and scarlet, sometimes with faint yellow markings; borne in large trusses; very effective in the open ground 

 for bordering the taller varieties. 35 cts. each ; 5 for Si. 25. 



CANNA FLACCIDA, the Orchid Canna. 



It affords us pleasure to be able to offer this gem of native plants at a price that will place it within the reach 

 of all. The species has been sent out heretofore in the form of roots collected in Florida, which possessed little 

 vitality and which were almost sure to decay. The Canna Flaccida is an extremely vigorous grower, attaining 

 a height of about four and one-half feet ; foliage, rich light green ; flowers, very large, averaging five inches in 

 diameter, beautifully crimped and feathered, resembling a gigantic orchid ; color, a beautiful shade of lemon 

 yellow ; blooms early and with great freedom. We offer fine, healthy, growing plants of this fine Canna. 25 cts. 

 each ; 5 for Si. 00. 



— ■ —=3 1 SPECIAL OFFER E=r— 



For $5.00 we shall send by mail, postpaid, the entire collection, consisting of 

 EIGHT Superb Cannas described on this page. This offer is unprecedented, as 

 the collection, in point of genuine merit and distinct novelty, is unsurpassed and 

 cannot be duplicated elsewhere. 



Note.— These plants will be readv for delivery about March 15th, and thereafter, at which time we 

 shall be prepared to fill all orders promptly and to the entire satisfaction of our patrons. 



J The Dingee & Conard Company, 



West Grove, Pa. 



