Deeiduous Trees 
DAVIDIA involucrata, DOVE TREE (6). We are deviating from what we said in Part 
I because this was described in both G. A. 37 and 43. We repeat latter description 
verbatim as conditions now are just as they were then and probably will be for many 
years to come. “We hardly dare mention this rare and famous tree again because even 
at the high price which it commands we shall probably get more orders than we can 
fill. The famous English nurseryman, Veitch, sent the late Ernest Wilson to China 
solely to get this tree! It covers itself in spring with hanging white bracts up to 6 
inches long which flutter in the breeze like waved handkerchiefs.” Grown in large 
pots, 14 to 2 ft., $15.00. 
Lilaes 
During 1947 two of our originations were granted the first two patents ever 
obtained on lilacs. These are: 
Plant Patent No. 754 
This variety was named by Wayside Gardens, Mentor, Ohio, and will be introduced 
by them into Eastern U.S.A. in spring, 1948. Their description will read as follows: 
THE MAGNIFICENT NEW LILAC 
“Clarke’s Giant” 
“When we say the ‘biggest and best’ Lilac in existence, we mean just that! It is 
immense in every respect. Its leaves are bigger, it grows better, its flower trusses are 
larger, the individual flowers are of greater size than in any other variety we know 
about. Last but not least, as a cut flower it is longer lasting than any other kind we 
have ever tried. 
In our opinion the most outstanding features of Clarke’s Giant Lilac are the great 
size of the individual flowers, 1% to 1% inches across, the truly huge size of the flower 
clusters together with their unusual four-sided pyramidal form. It is safe to say they 
attain a length of 12 inches or better and are about 7 to 8 inches wide at the base of the 
cluster. 
The remarkable vigor of growth accompanied by about the largest leaves we have 
ever seen on Lilacs, as well as the abundance with which the flowers are produced 
makes it the finest and surpasses by far any other Lilcac introduced to date. It may 
sound like a big statement but we here feel that it would be difficult to praise this 
magnificent novelty too highly. 
The color is soft gentian blue when fully open. The flower clusters are carried well 
above the foliage. The fragrance leaves nothing to be desired. 
It will be very difficult to improve Clarke’s Giant. At the moment there is nothing 
anywhere near like it. It is one of the finest spring flowering shrubs of the century.” 
Their retail prices will be: 3 to 4 ft., $6.00 each — 2 to 3 ft., $5.00 each. 
HISTORY 
This variety represents the pinnacle, to date, of 16 years work in lilac breeding. 
Certain definite goals have been kept in sight from the beginning. Reference to “Lilacs 
for America” shows an almost complete absence of really good varieties in certain colors. 
In addition to trying for improvement in that respect it has been the constant aim here 
to increase the size of the individual flowers. About 25 years ago an inch in diameter 
was almost unheard of and such were described as “huge,” “enormous,” etc. Those on 
Clarkes Giant are often a full 1% incres across! 
This is the first patented lilac. Patent was granted to Walter Bosworth Clarke © 
August 26, 1947, and assigned to W. B. Clarke & Co., San Jose 2, California. 
FURTHER DESCRIPTIVE MATTER: 
As may be seen from colored cut the immature buds and partly open flowers are 
rosy mauve (H.C.C. Orchid Purple 31/2) and gradually change through H.C.C. Cobalt 
Violet 634/1 to a soft sky blue (H.C.C. Gentian Blue 43/3 to 43 /2). 
This variety was kept under observation for 5 years before introduction so has been 
amply tested. We have compared it with the best hitherto developed, find nothing like 
it and feel assured that it is “in a class by itself.” 
Customers east of the Rocky Mountains who wish plants will please obtain them 
from Wayside Gardens, Mentor, Ohio. Those in other areas may be able to get them 
pon other nurserymen or we can supply them as long as stock lasts in following grades 
only: 
1% to 2 ft., 400; 1 to 1% ft., $3.00; 8-12 inches, $2.00. 
A colored illustration showing flowers in life size can be sent on request. 
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