Mirabilis jalapa L.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Worthy a place in every garden, and if grown in pots or vases, they are very ornamental for the greenhouse or terrace.  They are particularly adapted for situations near the dwelling, or public gardens that are frequented in the evening, or entrance hall to a mansion, as the flowers are awake, gay, and fragrant when most other blossoms sleep, and when the light of lamps, gas, etc., is thrown on their numerous and richly dyed corollas, their apperance becomes enchanting, and highly deserving of the title which our Fraternal Allies in France give it, viz., Belle de Nuit.’  [FC p.287/1855].  ‘Mirabilis Jalapa is not so much grown as it deserves to be.  Its long, trumpet-shaped flowers are highly ornamental.  It is a compact, bushy plant, which grows about eighteen inches in height.  There are many varieties differing much in colour, some being self-coloured, while others are very much streaked.  It is best adapted for borders, but ought to be sown in heat, to bring the plants to perfection.’  [Gard. Chron. 1855].  ‘This plant was introduced to Europe at a very early period; the names it bore on its introduction, sufficiently testify the admiration in which it was held: it was well known both to Gerard and Parkinson; the latter devotes a whole page of his Parad. terr. to its description and culture, with the latter he appears to have been perfectly well acquainted, and even to have known the several varieties which we now cultivate.’  [BM t.371/1797].  Introduced to Britain before 1596.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all the published catalogues [H.153/1843].  There are well established clumps of this plant in the gardens today.

Notes