East Bridgewater Dahlia Gardens ]. K. Alexander , East Bridgewater , Massachusetts 
Decorative Dahlias 
The Decorative Dahlia is the pride of all Dahlias, standing out pre-eminently. In the garden the 
plants arc strong, sturdy, vigorous growers, with heavy, dark green foliage, and a remarkable consti¬ 
tution. The blossoms are produced in great profusion, which is exceptional for a type of Giant-flowering 
Dahlias. For cut-flower purposes they are unsurpassed, having long, straight stems of wiry stiffness, 
and producing their flowers in a pleasing upright manner; then principally their lasting qualities when 
cut—they are unequalled, lasting longer than any of the other types. As an exhibition flower 
Decorative Dahlia is the most gigantic of all Dahlias, blossoms having beauty, substance, quality—ail 
essential characteristics of a true “Model of Perfection.” As a decorative flower they are first in every 
respect; being graceful, adapted to designs, and most artistic. 
The blossoms of the Decorative Dahlias are large, flat, but beautiful in shape, and full to the center; 
the petals are somewhat irregularly situated, long, broad, flat, and nearly straight. 
New Decorative Dahlias for 1919 
BENEDICTUS XV. A very highly recommended 
variety imported from Holland. The color is 
a splendid deep yellow, with stiff stems holding 
the bloom upright and well above the foliage. 
One of the latest and best introductions in yel¬ 
low Dahlias. Highly recommended. $1.00 each. 
DR. THURMAN. An exquisite combination of 
coloring, the clear yellow of each petal being 
very delicately suffused with copper tints. The 
plants are tall and sturdy with perfect habit, 
holding the large flowers to the best possible 
advantage. An extra fine Dahlia. $1.00 each. 
EUGENE BURGLE. An improved seedling from 
the famous Mina Burgle. A rich, dark red in 
coloring, the blooms are of immense size and 
perfect form. The strong, luxuriant plants 
grow to a height of six feet, and hold the flowers 
erect and prominent. $5.00 each. 
FRANCIS MARTIN. One of the most charming 
new Decoratives and one that will be sure to 
give perfect satisfaction. A white ground, over¬ 
laid lavender, the coloring is somewhat similar 
to the well-known W. W. Rawson, but the shade 
of lavender is darker. The stems are long and 
very stiff, holding the large flower erect with 
ease. A good bloomer and ideal for cut flowers. 
$2.00 each. 
H. MAIER. A very large California production 
of the greatest merit. Of a shade a little darker 
than primrose-yellow, each petal is slightly 
flecked carmine. It is a strong grower, profuse 
bloomer, and holds the flowers on long, stiff 
stems. A very fine yellow Decorative. $2.00 
each. 
KING OF THE AUTUMN. One of the finest 
Decorative Dahlias ever introduced. The habit 
is absolutely perfect, with strong, sturdy stalks, 
long, stiff stems and remarkably free flowering. 
The coloring is something quite new and unique: 
buff yellow suffused terra cotta. Obtaining 
several First-class Certificates in Holland, this 
Dahlia is destined to become one of the most 
popular varieties ever introduced. $2.50 each. 
NANCY RANKIN. A new seedling of my own 
and introduced now for the first time. The 
color is a pure white, but the reverse side of 
the outer row of petals is tinted a most deli¬ 
cate lavender-pink. It is one of the most free 
flowering varieties of my entire 
list, the plants appearing to be a 
mass of bloom. For cut flowers 
it will be found unsurpassed, 
keeping in perfect condition for 
days after being cut. I cannot 
recommend this new variety too 
highly. $3.00 each. 
WM. STARK SMITH. Alexander’s 
Phenomenal New Decorative Seed¬ 
ling. Named expressly for and 
by special permission of Wm. 
Stark Smith, Esq., of Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, a very enthusiastic 
Dahlia-lover. The plant is a very 
vigorous grower, with heavy, dark, 
glossy green foliage and a re¬ 
markable constitution. The flow¬ 
ers are enormous, and produced 
upon stiff, wiry stems, well above 
the foliage. This wonderful new 
Fancy Decorative Dahlia is one of 
the largest Dahlias in existence; 
a most sensational variety, pos¬ 
sessing remarkable qualities. The 
blossom is perfect in form, grand 
in appearance, of immense size, 
and exceedingly wonderful color 
combination. A beautiful golden 
yellow artistically striped and 
splashed scarlet. The effect of 
these phenomenal flowers is most 
pleasing. $3.00 each. 
King of Autumn—Decorative Dahlia, $2.50. 
Manila, Philippine Islands, 
T , May 2 » 1916. 
Mr. J. K. Alexander, 
East Bridgewater, Mass., 
Dear Sir:—Just a line to let you 
know that Dahlia bulbs arrived 
safely and in good condition. I hope 
they do well. If they do, will try 
some of the more expensive varie¬ 
ties. Yours very truly, 
F. C. THOMPSON. 
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