59 
An Iris Lover^t Catalog” 
Delphiniums 
A Specially selected strain, remarkable for beauty, 
variety and hardy vigors 
No perennial border or back-yard garden is quite complete unless 
it includes at least a few beautiful Delphinium or Larkspur. Rising 
imposingly, their cathedral-like spires often towering from four to 
seven feet high, the new Delphinium present astonishing develop¬ 
ments in many shades of blue, ranging from the palest hues on through 
the darker shades of azure, sapphire, purple, mauve and dark blue, 
giving a variety, charm, and irresistable appeal to a garden setting. 
Lyondel Hybrids 
In an eadeavor to find a really outstanding strain of Delphinium that 
would have superior adaptability, vigor, performance, size, beauty 
and variety of coloring, we have spent several years testing out various 
nationally known strains—some were found too tender for this climate 
—others, prolific enough, were just ordinary types. We realized, as 
most flower lovers do, that splendid specimens might be grown from 
ordinary stock if rich soil, moist atmosphere, and other favorable con¬ 
ditions were provided, but we also knew that such favorable condi¬ 
tions are the exception rather than the rule—hence our ambition to 
find and develope a strain of such excellence that it would do ex¬ 
ceptionally well under ordinary or average conditions obtaining in 
most gardens everywhere. 
Finally we found one strain, which in our judgment, surpassed 
all others. Developed in a country of warm, often dry summers, in 
indifferent soil, it has shown unusual vigor and hardiness, remark¬ 
able adaptability and performance, and its originator. Professor Leonian, 
has many authoritative expressions as to its superiority. 
Lyondel Hybrids are the result of breeding together three distinct 
well known strains—Wrexham, Blackmore and Langdon, and Vander¬ 
bilt. The resulting strain, developed over a period of years, has been 
achieved by completely controlled hand pollination—by crossing only 
the best, selection, and recrossing, using only plants of more than 
normal resistance to tenderness and disease resulting in a really re¬ 
markable strain. By constantly building for quality we now have an 
exceptionally excellent race. May we emphasize here that all our 
plants are the direct result of hand crossing. 
Lyondel Hybrids have a large range of types and colors—the 
greatest I have seen in any single strain. Nor has size been overlooked, 
for in fact, three 14 inch florets are a common occurance in this 
strain. Stems of fine proportion throughout have been developed, 
neither too short nor too chubby, and the pleasing lateral types are 
equally praiseworthy. 
An idea of the color range and types may be had from the follow¬ 
ing: deep bright blue, darker outer petals—on two types of stalks— 
one tapering and slender—the other wide with more loose panicles; a 
reddish purple of exceptional brilliance with rigid wiry stems; a semi¬ 
double sky blue, touched with mauve at the throat; luminous purples; 
shaggy aster-like orchids; blues and purples. 
It is a great pleasure to be able to offer for spring or fall delivery, 
so select a strain of Delphinium as the Lyondel Hybrids—all are plants 
of the highest quality and are, we are sure, some of the finest pro¬ 
curable. If sufficient interest is shown this year, we will later list 
distinct types with individual prices, but this year we offer only a 
limited quantity and our own selection—all exceptional plants. Con¬ 
sidering their superior qualities and the work and wealth of time spent 
in their development, the prices are modest. 
Single plants, $1.00; half dozen, $5.00; Dozen, $10.00. 
Fall or Spring Delivery— 
