ANNOUNCING A NEW LAVENDER 
There is perhaps no class as weak as the so-called lavender section. Having worked 
for years in serious effort to produce the lavender, I can well understand why this section 
is so weak. I have come to the conclusion that the real lavender is as elusive as the real blue. 
I think that the term lavender as commonly employed covers far too much ground, 
including, as it does, not only the lavenders but the orchids, as well. When pink and light 
blue are combined the result is known as orchid if the pink color dominates in the resultant 
color combination, whereas the blue must dominate if the result is to be known as lavender. 
When judged by this standard, we find that there are very few glads, indeed, that are 
entitled to be called lavenders: | Minuet comes the closest to true lavender of any glad 
that I know. 
It took years and countless crosses to produce a seedling that, in my opinion, could 
properly be called a lavender. This one looked very promising at the time of its first 
blooming and it has performed better each year. A few bulbs were sent to several competent 
judges for test during the past season and their comments are highly encouraging. One 
wrote: “It certainly is superior to any lavender now in cultivation, in purity of color, 
the heavy texture of its florets, placement of its florets, and all around beauty”. Here is 
a test garden report: “A lavender self, with 6-7 five and three-quarter inch florets open, 
3-4 buds in color, on an 18-21 bud spike; spike straight and strong; height 52”.” 
This new lavender has been registered under the name Patrician. Its color is practically 
identical with the deepest shade in Minuet, but, being a true self, it appears several shades 
deeper; there are no conspicuous markings, although there are a number of fine sanded 
blue-violet lines on the throat petals, not readily noticeable without close inspection. 
The spike is a strictly formal type and attachment, placement, and spacing are all that 
could be desired. The plant is healthy and a vigorous grower with heavy foliage. The bulbs 
appear to be very healthy and bulblet production is excellent. The bulblets average 
considerably smaller than do those of most varieties, but germination is excellent. 
Patrician is not offered for general distribution during the 1946 season, but it is hoped 
that there will be sufficient stock of it in another year to permit its being offered for 
general sale, in all sizes. In the meantime, it will probably be seen at some of the 1946 shows. 
Only five bulbs of Patrician (large) will be sold this season, at $25.00 each. 
In my 1945 announcement I mentioned a new yellow and stated that it might be 
introduced in 1946. This yellow will have to undergo further testing and will not be 
introduced in 1946. 
In explanation I want to say that this yellow is not one of my own originations: I 
bought the entire stock from a California grower. Its performance was not typical, I am 
sure, and it will have to become acclimated before its qualities can be properly appraised, 
and, as in the case of my own seedlings, it will not be introduced until I am fully satisfied 
that it merits introduction. Another season may tell the story. In the meantime, I have 
several yellow seedlings of my own that look very promising - you will hear about 
them when and if they satisfy my standards. 
