62 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



flowers of almost all colours among the double varieties 

 which have been raised. A good strain of mixed 

 Ranunculuses will produce many good flowers at a 

 small expense. The principal forms now grown are 

 the Turban or Turkish and the Persian, which are 

 varied in their colours. Those named R. asiaticus 

 superbus are large and showy, if a little coarse to those 

 accustomed to the more refined flowers of the others. 

 They can be grown in an ordinary border well manured, 

 and can be planted from October to February. In 

 planting choose a dry day, and keep the crowns two 

 inches below the surface. Care must be taken to keep 

 the crown up, and to cover this with a little sand after 

 planting. Cover with some litter in winter, and water 

 freely when coming into bloom. Lift when the foliage 

 becomes yellow, and dry off in a cool and airy place, 

 storing the tubers in dry sand. 



There are a few other tuberous-rooted species of 

 Ranunculus worth growing in the garden. Of these 

 the best are the double form of the native R. bulbosa 

 which has yellow flowers ; R. chaerophyllus, yellow ; R. 

 monspeliacus, yellow ; and R. millefoliatus grandiflorus, 

 the same colour. These are easily grown in the border 

 in ordinary soil. 



ROMULEAS 



Romuleas are remarkably pretty little bulbs with 

 Crocus-like flowers, from March to July, and grassy 

 leaves. They require warm, sunny spots on rockwork, 

 and in cold localities should be grown in a frame. They 

 like sandy soil. Among the best and hardiest are R. 

 Bulbocodium, with blue and yellow flowers. The variety 

 pylium is even prettier. Columnae is pretty with its 

 white flowers. Clusii, lavender, and speciosa, rosy 

 violet, are both pretty. Plant in autumn two inches 

 deep, and protect in winter. 



