BETSCHER'S HEMEROCALLIS 
The Perennial Supreme 
1938 was a wonderful year for garden crops, abundant rains all season. Our crops the 
best ever. Our best Hem blooms were 6 to 8 inches in diameter. September rains gave us 
exceptionally fine results with our late sorts and several times bloomers because of the very 
unusual long fall into late November. All these exceptionally fine later ones were crossed 
to secure better “everbloomers” — much larger, much later, and freer bloomers. Our cross¬ 
ing so late - all ripened perfectly - hence we will evolve many much later, larger and better 
sorts than exist today. Earlianna, May 13th, 5 - 6 inch blooms — Dr. Regel, the previous 
earliest sort, blooms May 26th. The first killing frost in December — hence a season of 200 
days. Some gave us three crops of blooms and were full of buds when December frosts 
ruined them. 
In the types that give us 8 inch blooms we will evolve many of this size, some larger, 
many much later types. In the south lands these should bloom much longer. Our 1937-1938 
crossings with these giant and “everbloomers” should, with a proper selection of sorts, cov¬ 
er a long season, much longer than heretofore. Next fall we will release a very select list of 
the best and newest sorts obtainable anywhere. Some of these: Earlianna, Fulvalo, Glori- 
anna, Gaiety, Mrs. Seith and others — the last word in Hems. In our newer seedlings we 
should evolve whites, chocolates, maroons, reds, etc. very liberally. 
In the half century that we have grown and crossed Hems we have employed every 
thinkable scheme in genetics to secure super creations — today the Hemerocallis stands at 
the forefront of all fllowers. In a few years their sales will be enormous. 
In our newer seedlings we have sorts that bloom from 24 to 60 hours. From these will 
evolve cut flower types, that will make it possible to grow these where higher temperatures 
make it impossible to grow liliums. We have grown lilies for some years — have had them 
practically perfect — then a hot spell came, a temperature of 112° and up, in a few days they 
showed yellow and brown, were damaged very badly and many did not show up the follow¬ 
ing year. Planting petunias or similar plants among lilies helps to keep them cooler - some 
years helps to make a fine crop. When high temperatures of 115° prevail it is fatal to most 
lilies. This is a consensus of experience over a great area of America. Lilies are grown to 
perfection in the Pacific Northwest and in the Atlantic Northeast, while Hems may be grown 
everywhere. 
We are breeding Dahlias, Gladioli, Iris, Liliums, Phlox, Poppies, Roses and other items 
liberally. 
Interested persons who desire to see them at their best should come between July 20th 
and August 10th. 
“The finest thing in my garden this year (1938) was Hem Glorianna.” 
—A critical gardener down in Georgia 
