178 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



that in summer on dry land the eschscholtzias were beneficial, keep- 

 ing the soil cool. Mr. Perry had the lemon-colored E. tenuifolia, 

 the yellow E. Californica and the golden E. Crocea. The varieties 

 have since been extended by the introduction of the white form of 

 E. Californioa, the rich, the pretty and distinct rosy carmine Rose 

 Cardinal, which is regarded as a variety of E. grandiflora, and the 

 deep rich orange E. Mandarin, which, though placed in seed lists as 

 a variety of E. Crocea, actually came from Rose Cardinal." 



This reference gives an idea of how extensive the making of 

 species of eschscholtzia has been for a generation or more. Mr. 

 Perry's plan of carpeting his English rose garden with our State 

 Flower may be suggestive to California growers, but, of course, they 

 must remember that such practice in California might be at the risk 

 of diverting moisture which the roses need iand which should be 

 conserved for them by good tillage. As for culture of the plant in 

 California there is naught to do but scatter the seed and rake lightly. 

 After that you will not lose it; it keeps coming from self-sown seed 

 and it also holds on to life by a perennial root which resumes activity 

 even in quite dry land by the touch of the fall rains. 



The poppies of other lands dispute possession of California with 

 the native species. They come readily from the seed in open ground, 

 although some start plants in boxes for planting out. The Shirleys are 

 a large group of 'beautiful annuals which volunteer so freely that their 

 old bed looks like a lawn unless disturbed, and even digging does 

 not suppress seedlings, because some seed is left near the surface. 

 And then there are the old-fashioned single and double poppies in 

 endless statures and colors. All one has to do is to start to keep 

 having them around the place. Besides, there are the perennials, of 

 which the Oriental poppies with their numerous varieties and colors 

 are most prominent and well worth cultivating. The flowers are large 

 and very brilliant in color; satisfied with almost any kind of soil. 

 The Iceland poppies form also a most beautiful group, their bold 

 and bright flowers of yellow, white and scarlet are simply magnificent, 

 and besides their beauty have a very pleasant lilac perfume. 



Last of all and perhaps least known though better worth knowing, 

 is the Mexican poppy, (Hunnemannia) which has the general aspect 

 of an eschscholtzia, and of clear lemon, cup-shaped bloom. It is 

 fine for winter bloom and in fact keeps busy nearly through the year. 

 Seed planted in June with enough moisture will bloom in the early 

 autumn and continue through the rainy season but we do not find 

 it so resolute in holding on as other poppies but likely to disappear 

 through neglect. 



*Flora of Western Middle California, page 177. 



