PURDY'S CALIFORNIA BULBS AND PLANTS 3 
BRODI^AS 
These plants have a small bulb, producing grassy leaves near the ground, and very 
slender, but stiff, naked stems bearing a head of waxy flowers of great lasting quality. All 
are pretty. They grow exactly like calochortus, and their culture is the same, and just as 
easy as for that flower. In California they are easily naturalized in almost any soil. Plant 
them about 2 inches deep, with a trowel or dibble, and leave them alone. They are 
especially happy under oak or other deciduous trees, in crevices in rocks, or in rough, 
gritty soils. 
The Floral Firecracker, Coccinea, is well figured below. The stems may rise to 
2 feet, while the flowers are a vivid crimson tipped with pea-green. The resemblance 
to a bunch of firecrackers catches the eye at once. A group of these bulbs in a mass of 
ferns or light-foliaged plants is striking, and they do very well potted. They prefer a 
loose soil, and preferably gritty. Large bulbs will cost you 6 cts. each, 60 cts. per doz., 
while giant bulbs are worth $1 per doz. 
Laxa is known as Blue Milla, and has a many-flowered umbel of fine blue flowers. 
It is one of the best for naturalizing. 4 cts. each, 30 cts. per doz. 
Grandiflora has a few large, glossy purple flowers of much beauty and great lasting 
qualities. The bulbs can be naturalized in any clay soil, especially if moist. 4 cts. each, 
30 cts. per doz. 
Lactea has a close umbel of milky white flowers; the price is the same as Grandiflora. 
Peduncularis has stout stems about 8 inches high, at the top of which are very wide, 
spreading umbels of white flowers. The umbel may be i >^ feet across. This species loves 
wet ground, even the gravelly bed of a shallow stream. 4 cts. each, 40 cts. per doz. 
Stellaris is low growing, with long pedicels and clear blue flowers with white centers; 
very pretty. 4 cts. each, 35 cts. per doz. 
There are several species of Brodia^a called California Hyacinths, and a good one is 
Capitata. The stem is slender, capped with a head of violet-blue flowers. They revel in 
hot, dry places among rocks or in grit, and flower very early. 4 cts. each, 30 cts. per doz. 
A most dainty effect can be had by copying nature. Plant 12 to 50 B. laxa in a 
pocket in rockwork, especially where there are ferns or light, airy greens; they will thrive 
in either sun or shade. B. Grandiflora is wild in grassy meadows; if the grass is not too 
heavy they give a sheet of lovely purple in June. It takes quantities to produce this effect 
— several thousands at least — but they are cheap. 
The culture of Brodiaeas in the East is as for calochortus, and they are about as hardy. 
They all do well in pots. Brodiaeas are fine cut-flowers and wonderfully lasting. 
Brodisea coccinea ithe Floral Firecracker). Dazzling crimson; tall stems; beautiful for rockeries 
