20 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



pleasing. Lactea and pedunculata are both good white 

 species, and the late-blooming Orcutti has light blue 

 flowers. 



A charming set of dwarf forms will be found among 

 grandiflora, Purdyi, rosea, and stellaris, with blue or 

 purple flowers ; volubilis is a curious twining species, 

 which needs support when it makes growth. It grows 

 about five feet high. 



BULBOCODIUMS 



The only Bulbocodium to be met with, except in 

 a few collections, is ruthenicum, almost universally 

 known as vernum, a pretty early spring flowering plant 

 with rosy purple flowers, and much resembling a 

 Crocus in bloom. It thrives in any soil, but should 

 be protected from slugs. There is a variegated-leaved 

 form. These should be planted about two inches 

 deep. 



