Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Podalyria sericea R.Br.

Frost-tender spreading shrub with obovate leaves, to 2cm long, covered with silvery hairs ageing to gold, and solitary, fragrant, pea-like lavender–blue to lavender-pink flowers, to 1cm across, from autumn to spring.  To 90cm.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘The Podalyria sericea is not an uncommon shrub in our greenhouses, and recommends itself by its fine silky foliage; but does not very often blossom: when it does so, it is always, as far as we have seen, in the winter months, from November to February.  Native of the Cape of Good-Hope.  Propagated by cuttings.  Communicated by our friends Messrs. Loddiges and Sons.’  [BM t.1923/1817]. 

Introduced to Britain in 1778.  [JD].  LBC no.1442/1830.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.768/1843].  Loddiges’ nursery is the likely source.

Notes

Published Dec 24, 2009 - 02:36 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 12:39 PM

Shown are obovate leaves and solitary, axillary, pea-like lavender?blue flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1923, 1817.

Podalyria sericea R.Br. | BM t.1923/1817 | BHL

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Podalyria sericea

Confidence level high