The Dahlias of J. J. Broomall and Eagle Rock Dahlia Farm

Copyright © 2026 by Steve K. Lloyd
All rights reserved.

Across more than two decades at Eagle Rock Dahlia Farm, J. J. Broomall introduced a remarkable number of new dahlias. Some became prominent show flowers, some were widely advertised and distributed, and others survive today only as names and descriptions in his catalogs.

Reconstructing that record is not always straightforward. Broomall’s earliest catalogs were inconsistent in the way they identified his own introductions, and later catalogs occasionally repeated names or assigned conflicting introduction dates. After comparing the surviving catalogs year by year, we have assembled a much larger working register of the dahlias that can reasonably be attributed to him.

The selection below is not intended to reproduce that entire register. Instead, it presents a representative gallery of Broomall’s work: varieties for which a usable historical photograph survives, together with others whose catalog descriptions are particularly vivid or revealing. The entries are arranged alphabetically rather than chronologically, allowing Broomall’s whites, yellows, pinks, bronzes, purples, and enormous exhibition flowers to mingle much as they might have in the beds at Eagle Rock.

The descriptions are drawn from Broomall’s catalogs and, after he sold his mail-order business, catalogs issued by Success Dahlia Gardens. For readability, prices, stock notices, and some repetitive show and sales material have been omitted. The descriptive wording has otherwise been retained as closely as practicable.

1921 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1921, p. 9

The floral sensation of Los Angeles. The color is a soft yellow buff, shaded salmon-pink; flowers of pleasing form and enormous size, 7 to 10 inches without disbudding. The splendid flowers are held erect well above the foliage on the strongest stems I have ever seen on a Cactus Dahlia. After five hours of drenching spray, when the weight of accumulated moisture was sufficient to break down many well-known varieties, the flowers of Ambassador were still standing gloriously erect, reminding one of an overjoyed maiden radiantly smiling through her tears.

1927 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1929, p. 3

This immense picric or lemon yellow is perhaps the most sensational yellow Dahlia of all time. The formation is most unusual, and the mammoth flowers are held erect on the best of stems. In the show rooms it remains supreme not only in its color, but is always considered when the award for the best bloom in the show is being selected by the judges. It is a real champion.

1921 · Cactus · Catalog description from a later listing

The color is the nearest approach to a pure copper I have seen in a Dahlia. The flowers, of medium size, are produced in great profusion, much resembling Golden West in shape and habit, but probably not quite so large. As a cut flower this is certain to be in much demand.

1926 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1926, p. 11

A most attractive shade of soft coral-pink, flowers of medium size held erect on good stems, a very desirable cut flower of good habit and a free bloomer.

1928 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1929, p. 3

Capucine yellow, shaded cornelian red; the rich coppery-orange color of this Dahlia attracted more attention in our Boston Sweepstakes-winning display than any other Dahlia. There is no other orange-colored Dahlia that can compare with this creation, as the color is so vivid that it speaks for itself. The medium-large flowers are held erect on strong but rather short stems, the petals serrate, always perfectly double.

1926 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1926, p. 9

A more beautiful combination of pink and cream than is displayed in this glorious creation would be difficult to imagine. No picture or description of this giant wonder can do it justice. It is in a class by itself. The plant is vigorous, with good habit and strong stems holding perfectly erect the immense blooms, which are full to the center and produced in abundance until frost.

1931 · Informal Decorative · Catalog description from 1931, p. 5

It is a glorious Informal Decorative of monster size, imposing and beautiful in form and color, with huge broad florets tapering and tastefully notched at the tips. Clear mallow pink, of great size and depth, it attracted more attention than any other Dahlia in the garden except Margaret E. Broomall. The stems are long, straight and stiff, with the monster bloom set just right to look one straight in the face. It is different, and it has size and then some.

1928 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1929, p. 4

Maize yellow shaded orient pink. This is certainly the finest-shaped, strong-stemmed Cactus Dahlia yet produced. Its form is much finer than Ambassador, and the color is very unusual and pleasing; the habit is good, the flowers always standing perfectly erect.

1927 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1927, p. 9

Cream overlaid cameo pink, or shell pink. I consider this the most beautiful in color of any Dahlia I have seen. The large flowers are borne on strong stems; it is a vigorous grower and a free bloomer.

1926 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1926, p. 13

Not since the introduction of Ambassador have we been able to offer such a great Cactus Dahlia as this. The color is a deeper shade of yellow than Sunny South; the flowers are larger and are held perfectly erect on strong stems. It shows no tendency to become pendant even under the most unfavorable conditions, and produces blooms full to the center until frost. It is unquestionably the best yellow Cactus Dahlia.

By 1932 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1932, p. 6

Another one of Mr. Broomall’s new originations that he considers one of his very best. The nearest color is a light amaranth pink, a much more attractive color than our last year’s introduction Eagle Rock Fantasy. We have never grown a Dahlia of the same color. The stems are perfect and hold the large bloom erect.

1930 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1931, p. 5

For tremendous size, perfection of form, profuse blooming qualities and vigorous growth, I have seen no equal of this Dahlia. It was the outstanding feature in the garden. The color is Mars orange shading to orange-buff, with tints of coral-pink and coral-red; the general effect is between orange and apricot. This variety has never yet shown an open center even under the most unfavorable conditions. A monster.

Broomall also recorded one decidedly peculiar trait: some blooms formed small adventitious buds on their backs, which he compared to Brussels sprouts. He attributed the phenomenon to the plant’s extraordinary vigor.

1927 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1927, p. 10

Large flowers of a most unusual color, maize yellow shaded vinaceous pink and Corinthian red, the general effect being light straw shaded wine. The petals are slightly serrate.

Editor’s note: A different Dahlia named Elysian appears in Broomall’s 1919 catalog. The 1927 catalog nevertheless presents this Elysian as a new introduction.

1929 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1929, p. 3

Here again we have another new color in this very large Decorative, and when we say it is a right bright purple we do not give this Dahlia justice. Its tall-growing habit, with the immense bloom held erect on the finest stems, attracts the visitors from a distance. It surely is different.

By 1918 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1918, p. 8

The largest, strongest-growing, most double Dahlia we have seen, coming full to the center even under the most unfavorable conditions. The color is a soft buff, shaded with salmon.

Broomall was sufficiently proud of the still-unreleased variety that in 1918 he offered a tuber as a prize rather than putting it on sale.

By 1918 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1924, p. 18

As compared with other white Dahlias this is a giant among pygmies; flowers 9 inches in diameter without disbudding. The flowers are of fine form and are held erect on strong stems; very free flowering. Another year’s trial has convinced us that Gladys Sherwood is not only the greatest of all whites, it is one of the greatest garden flowers yet produced, as month after month through the long, hot summer it continued to be covered with an abundance of perfect blooms, full centered and held on fine stems above the foliage. It is the white supreme.

c. 1913 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1919, p. 11

Large bold flowers with fine stems, shape and habit somewhat similar to Countess of Lonsdale, but the flowers are much larger; color a deep rich yellow heavily overlaid with orange. Growing by the side of hundreds of varieties of the world’s finest Dahlias, Golden West was more admired and praised by visitors to our gardens than any other. The foliage is a very distinct light green, remarkably clean and healthy, making a fine setting for the rich golden flowers.

1929 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1929, p. 3

This Dahlia is well named. Goodnight is the same color as Mrs. Shirley Shaw, but is larger and has better stems. This variety frequently shows green centers when it opens, but they disappear when it fully opens, and then it is a joy to look at.

By 1933 · Informal Decorative · Catalog description from 1933, p. 15

Another of Mr. Broomall’s giants that attracted unusual attention on account of its great size and color. Color rhodonite pink with a tinge of pale yellow, reverse rocellin purple veined pale yellow, the general effect salmon. The stems are long and extra strong to carry the giant bloom erect.

1923 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1923, p. 11

Buff-yellow, shaded orange-bronze. In color this is very similar to King of the Autumn, but produces flowers fully twice as large and many more of them. The flowers are held perfectly erect on the finest possible stems. This is an extra-strong grower of branching habit.

By 1919 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1924, p. 19

A most decided novelty; the flowers are of medium size and usually only semi-double. The coloring is most unusual, being a bright wine-red shading to light yellow and cream at the tips. The colors vary on different flowers and are borne so profusely as to make it most attractive in the garden.

c. 1917 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1921, p. 17

In this variety we have one of the grandest flowers yet produced. While the petals are not narrow, it is of most pleasing shape and large size, with fine upright habit, and the coloring is indescribably beautiful, being a delicate blush, deepening toward the center to a soft rosy glowing tint that must be seen to be appreciated. One of the best for cut flowers, its keeping qualities can scarcely be surpassed.

Broomall also took pains to insist that Helen Durnbaugh really was a Hybrid Cactus, noting that he knew its parentage and was prepared to “make affidavit to this.”

1930 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1931, p. 6

This very unusual colored Dahlia has been the center of attraction in the garden and show room. Most dark-colored Dahlias seem to have a dullness to them, but it is just the opposite in this new creation. The trial-garden report described it as “a mixture of Rhodamine purple and tyrian rose. No color like it in book. Very brilliant in color.” Strong stems hold the very large bloom erect.

1928 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1928, p. 3

Silvery white shaded phlox purple, the general effect being a light lavender. Very large flowers of distinct and pleasing shape, held well above the foliage on good stems.

1927 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1927, p. 11

Silvery rose pink, large well-formed flowers held erect on strong stems. A leading Eastern grower declared this fine variety to be the best Dahlia that he saw growing in the New York Botanical Gardens.

1930 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1930, p. 5

American Cactus. Very large and unusual in form and color. I know of no other Dahlia that is so different even when grown among the very best new varieties. It attracts immediate attention, as there is nothing like it. A profuse bloomer, with large blooms held erect on good stems. Color light orange-yellow to capucine yellow, shaded coral-pink. No description can fully describe this new creation. To grow it will be a joy forever.

1921 · Decorative · Catalog description from a later listing

A blending of buff, bronze and salmon shades very difficult to describe. The flowers are very large and attracted more attention than any other Dahlia in our garden the past season. Stems are strong, always holding the flowers erect; an extra-vigorous grower of branching habit.

1922 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1923, p. 9

Creamy yellow, shaded salmon-pink. The beautiful blossoms of this variety are larger and of finer shape than Evelyn M. Dane, and have longer stems.

By 1918 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1924, p. 20

One of the grandest Cactus Dahlias, of fine form and immense size, coming 8 inches in diameter without disbudding. The color is such as to attract attention among hundreds of varieties and is very difficult to describe, the ground color being oriental buff overlaid with satiny rosy salmon; wonderfully free blooming.

1926 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1926, p. 12

Pink and white, descendant of Gladys Sherwood. It is more Cactus in shape than Gladys Sherwood, with better stems and habit, a beautiful flower.

1928 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1928, p. 3

Pinard yellow, shaded capucine orange, the general effect being salmon-buff. Large flowers on long stems, very free flowering.

1929 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1930, p. 5

The originator considers this one of the best Dahlias in his gardens, as the color, spinel-red, is so different. A most distinct and refined flower, of large size and splendid form. A Dahlia that should be in every first-class collection.

1922 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1922, p. 12

I regard this as one of the most beautiful Decorative Dahlias. The flowers are large, held above the foliage on fine stems, and the coloring is unsurpassed, a creamy ground overlaid with delicate salmon-pink. While the flowers are not quite as large as Bonnie Brae or Miss Leota Cota, it surpasses both of those favorites in beauty of form and color.

1922 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1922, p. 12

The exquisite color of this Dahlia is most remarkable, being the brightest, most glowing shade of salmon-pink I have seen. The base of the petals is yellow. A flower that attracts immediate attention. During the past season this Dahlia, on account of its extraordinary color, was more admired than any flower in our gardens, with the possible exception of Siskiyou.

1921 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1927, p. 29

Scarlet and gold; the gorgeous coloring of the well-known Geisha reproduced in an enormous full-centered Decorative. The color varies on different blooms, but the two colors are always in evidence. The immense flowers, 7 to 9 inches in diameter, are on strong stems and keep well as cut flowers.

1928 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1929, p. 4

Ox-blood red shaded maroon. The wonderful dark rich color and immense size capture everyone. This Dahlia must be seen to be appreciated, as it is impossible to describe the beautiful rich blendings from almost black to nearly scarlet on each petal. It is a real joy to grow a Dahlia like Mrs. Shirley Shaw.

1928 · Hybrid Decorative · Catalog description from 1928, p. 3

Orange-yellow base shading to jasper red, reverse of petals bright carmine. The petals are twisted so that the reverse color is very much in evidence. The large flowers are borne on good stems, very distinct and pleasing both in form and unusual coloring.

By 1918 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1919, p. 20

This I regard as the best pure white Decorative Dahlia yet produced, flowers of immense size and perfect form, held well above the foliage on strong stems. The habit of the plant is rather dwarf, strong and vigorous; a flower with every good quality.

By 1919 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1921, p. 20

Cream flushed with a delicate shading of pink. While the petals are not narrow, this is a flower of much beauty, the large, bold flowers being held well above the foliage. With the possible exception of Golden West, this variety was probably the most admired of all by visitors to the gardens.

1926 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1927, p. 18

Very light cream or primrose color. I regard this as one of the best Decorative Dahlias in existence. The flowers are immense, with every good quality, certainly far ahead of anything in its class and color. Primula Rex created a sensation every place it was shown.

1920 · Decorative · Catalog description from 1920, p. 12

The color is a clear bright rose, the flowers are large, and I consider it the best-shaped Decorative Dahlia I have seen, coming perfectly full and double until frost. If I could have but one Decorative Dahlia this would be my choice, as the color is a rare one in Dahlias and attracts immediate attention, while the form cannot be surpassed. This Dahlia, when it becomes known, will be in every flower lover’s garden.

1929 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1929, p. 3

Beautiful is the one word that describes this Dahlia, and we consider it one of our very best introductions. In color it is an entirely new shade of exquisite old rose and coral pink and was greatly admired by all who saw it. The foliage grows close up to the flower, but by disbudding the habit is such that it can be grown with long straight stems.

Editor’s note: Broomall had already presented a Cactus Dahlia named Rose Ellen Varble as a new introduction in 1924. The 1929 catalog, spelling the name Rose-Ellen Varble, again presents it as a new introduction. The descriptions differ, and both records are preserved in the complete register. The 1929 version is shown here because the surviving catalog photograph belongs to it.

1931 · Semi-Cactus · Catalog description from 1932, p. 8

In this variety we have one of the most beautiful Dahlias ever offered. When the flowers begin to open they show chrome yellow at the center, with a graduation of grenadine red as the flower expands, finally becoming solid grenadine orange-red when in full bloom. The flowers are pleasing to look upon and instantly catch and hold the attention of all who see them. Flowers are large to very large, full centered, and held well above the clean-cut foliage on long, straight stems.

1923 · Hybrid Cactus · Catalog description from 1923, p. 11

Pink-tinged mauve. This produced the largest flowers I have ever grown. It created a sensation wherever shown and attracted more attention than any other flower in our gardens the past summer. The plants are extra sturdy and vigorous, and the flowers are held perfectly erect on strong stems.

A Siskiyou bloom shown at Short Hills, New Jersey, in 1923 reportedly measured 14 inches across. Broomall could not resist adding: “Can you beat it?”

1928 · Cactus · Catalog description from 1928, p. 3

Very little description is required when Mr. Broomall selects such a name for a Dahlia. He says it is about the size of Profusion, but very much more artistic in formation. Color, garnet red with white tips running down the center of the petals. Perfect stems. Never has sported, every petal coming true to color. Nothing like it in Dahlias.