Adenosma grandiflorum Benth. ex Hance

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This desirable perennial has been lately introduced into our gardens from China, by Mr. Fortune, who “found it growing on hill sides and near streams in the Island Of Hong-Kong.”  [In 1845].  It is of easy cultivation, and will grow freely in any light soil where it has good drainage.’  [MB p.74/1847].  ‘This is one of the new introductions by the Horticultural Society.  It was received from Mr. Fortune, who described it as a blue flowered herbaceous plant growing on hill sides and near streams, on the island of Hong-Kong.  It is however only new to our gardens, for it seems to have been one of the earliest species brought in a dried state from China, being common about Macao and the adjacent islands.  One of our wild specimens, collected by the Rev. Mr. Vachell in July, 1829, has a close spike of flowers from the axil of every leaf, and if cultivators can get it into that state, it will become very ornamental. […] It has hitherto been treated as a stove plant, but will probably prove hardy enough to stand in a greenhouse.  It appears to grow freely in almost any sort of soil, especially sandy peat.  In summer shading in sunny weather is necessary.  In consequence of its being subject to damp off in winter, it will require to be kept rather dry for a few weeks and in fact it will probably be found necessary to give it but little water at any time.  It will be well too to keep it in small pots, otherwise it becomes all foliage; this is the only probable means of inducing it to flower abundantly.  Its leaves are agreeably sweet-scented.’  [BR f.16/1846]. 

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.205/1850].

Notes