PURDY'S CAIJFORNIA BULBS AND SEEDS 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 Firecatcher, Brodisea coccinea, is well figured above. 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, 6o cts. per 
doz., while giant bulbs are worth $l per doz. 
Brodisea laxa is known as Blue Milla, and has a many-flowered umbel of fine blue 
flowers. It is one of the best for naturalizing. 3 cts. each, 25 cts per doz., $1.50 per 100. 
Brodiaea 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. 
3 cts. each, 25 cts. per doz., Si. 50 per 100. 
Brodiaea lactea has a close umbel of milky white flowers; the price is the same as 
that of B. grandiflora. 
There are several species of Brodiaea called California Hyacinths, and a good one is 
Brodisea 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. 3 cts. each, 25 cts. 
per doz. 
A most dainty elTect can be had by copying nature. Plant 12 to 50 Brodiaea laxa in a 
pocket in rockwork, especially where there are ferns or light, airy greens; they will thrive 
in either sun or shade. Brodiasa grandiflora is wild in grassy meadows; if the grass is 
not too heav>', 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 Brodia;as in the East is as for Calochortus, and they are about as hardy 
They all do well in pots. Brodia?as are fine cut-flowers and wonderfully lasting. 
