SPECIALLY GROWN CALILORNIA BULBS 
7 
True Mariposa or Butterfly Tulips 
Until one has seen a good collection of these plants, he has no idea how much nature 
can do in the variation of one flower. All Mariposas are simply forms of Calochorlus venustus, 
yet there are six well-marked strains, all with the slender grace of stem belonging to the 
species. 
Cup-shaped flowers, one to many on a stem, wonderfully marked with eyes and dots 
and pencilings in rich colors, are characteristics. Yet each strain carries out the plan on a 
color scheme of its own, and then can only be compared with the orchids in wonderful vari¬ 
ability of beauty. 
Mariposa is simply the Spanish word for butterfly, and because the eyes and markings of 
the flowers are so much like those on a butterfly’s wings. It is a musical word given to a 
county and to a town in California, and we would hardly like to give it up for its English 
equivalent. 
Roseus and Eldorado Strains 
Of the six strains, two do better in light, sandy soils, and prefer light shades. One of 
these is Roseus. Its petals are broad, inside creamy white, suffused with pale lilac. There is 
a rose-colored blotch at the apex of the petals, a richly marked eye in the middle, while the 
base is hairy and beautifully tinted. The back of the petal is also richly colored with car¬ 
mine. It is a very fine plant. My charges for these are 5 cts. each, or 40 cts. per doz. 
The plants of the Eldorado strain are very vigorous and grow from 1 to 3 feet high; the 
flowers are simply marvelous in their many colors, and are not exceeded in this by any other 
flower under the hybridizer’s care. Scarcely two are alike, and the colors range from white 
into all shades of lilac and deep purple, all shades of reddish purple, pink and salmon, and 
rich, deep reds. 
The markings and rich colors are so numerous and so variable as to be indescribable. 
Some few have a golden or a red blotch near the apex of the petal; all have a richly marked 
eye in various patterns, and all are beautifully marked and penciled at the base. They all 
grow together, and a hundred bulbs give a wonderful study in color, affording endless sur¬ 
prises from the same bed. 
There is no better investment for the flower-lover than a quantity of these bulbs. In 
addition to the general cultural directions, I would say that this strain likes some shade 
and a very porous soil. Avoid heavy soils. I either sell a general mixture at 5 cts. each, 
50 cts. per doz., or $3 per 100, with second size at $2 per 100; or I sell selected shades in colors 
at 6 cts. each, 60 cts. per doz., or 14.50 per 100. 
Vesta and Purpurascens 
These Mariposa Tulips like full sun and will grow best in heavy soils. Vesta, a species 
of my own, found on heavy clay soils, is the best grower of all Calochorti, and will succeed 
in almost any ordinary soil. It is a most superb thing, with great 3- to 5-inch flowers, borne 
on long, separate stalks; very numerous. 
The color is white, flushed with lilac or rosy purple, red at center, and purple on backs 
of petals. I think this the best of all Calochorti. Reports from European growers put it in 
the first rank. The fine photograph shown on page 10 does it no more than justice. I have 
very large bulbs at 10 cts. each, or $1 per doz.; good bulbs at 7 cts. each, or 60 cts. per doz., 
and small bulbs to naturalize at $2 per 100. 
Rather similar is purpurascens. In this the flowers may be 3 inches in diameter, creamy 
white inside half-way, with purplish center, all over purple outside. They have no rose- 
colored blotch, but have the usual eye, and are of great beauty. The plant is a strong grower, 
native to heavy soils, and is a most lovely variety. My price for bulbs of these is 5 cts. each, 
or 40 cts. per doz. 
Oculatus, Citrinus and Luteus 
These are most satisfactory flowers. Oculatus is almost as varied as Eldorado, but in 
whites and creams. The eye is large and richly zoned, the pencilings about the base are 
very delicate. I have had the flowers 4 inches across. The plant is a good grower. 
Citrinus differs only in the color. The flowers are deep, rich yellow, with almost black 
eye. It is most excellent, and is in great demand where best known. Oculatus and Citrinus 
cost 4 cts. each, 35 cts. per doz., or $3 per 100. 
Like these two, in every way but markings, is Luteus. The color is a hardy, clear yellow, 
and the usual eye is replaced by delicate pencilings. Price the same as of the other two. 
Mariposa Tulips in Collections and Mixtures 
Perhaps a collection of these lovely flowers will best suit some customer, and I will 
make a collection of 102 bulbs, in equal numbers of each of the six varieties above, for $3, 
or a half collection for $1.75. 
A mixture of fine Mariposa Tulips for 30 cts. per doz., and $2.25 per 100 
