A brief history of 
“F-1 HYBRIDS” 
... temptingly different and as new as tomorrow 
These plants were first offered in my Spring 1948 cata- 
log, and we truly had no idea what colors or foliage type 
would appear. We were pleasantly surprised! They did 
flower mostly in shades of blue, put the foliage is what 
took our eye. Robust seaves, with fine color and pattern 
and such unusual color underneath—we were very happy 
to have been able to send out all orders with plants “in 
bloom. Though there were many dark blues we felt they 
resembled some of the varieties now listed in our catalog 
so our selection was made only of the most outstanding 
types—in blossoms and foliage, so that you could truly 
say your plant was distinct, different from any one listed 
for sale. If you wish, your plant of F-1 Hybrid (not a 
nice name, but more a classification) may be grown under 
any name of your selection. 
To friends who did not receive my Spring catalog, we 
repeat a few lines about these F-1 Hybrids. They are 
plants grown from hand pollenized seed, and no two 
seeds, even from the same cross and pod, will produce 
plants just alike though they favor parent characteristics. 
The plants offered are full sized and are in bloom when 
shipped, at $1.50 each. We have many plants to choose 
from, so you will receive a plant which I consider out- 
standing. Unless you ask for dark blue, we won’t ship 
this color. 
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