Zephyranthes rosea Lindl.
Bulbous perennial, the semi-erect, narrowly linear, basal leaves being produced with the short-tubed, funnel-shaped pink flowers in autumn. To 20cm. [RHSE, Hortus, Baker Am.].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Botanically described as Zephyranthes rosea by Lindley in 1824: ‘This beautiful bulbous plant was found at the Havannah by Mr. George Don, and brought home by him, in 1823, for the Horticultural Society; in whose garden it flowered, for the first time, in June last. It is a greenhouse plant of easy culture and propagation. The delicate rose-coloured blossoms, which are produced in abundance at a time when little similar is in flower, render it a valuable addition to our collections.’ [BR f.821/1824].
‘Leaves bright green, narrow, recumbent; flower much smaller than Carinata, segments rather obtuse, rose-coloured. Native of the mountains in Cuba; a greenhouse plant, but its flowering is promoted by heat in the summer.’ [Herbert p.173].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1845 catalogue, Zephyranthes rosea was included among desiderata to Loddiges, 6th January 1845 and this is its probable source. [MP A2933-2, p.28]. A perhaps less likely identification for this plant is Zephyranthes minuta (Kunth) D.Dietr. which see.
Notes
Published May 16, 2009 - 06:58 AM | Last updated Aug 12, 2012 - 06:18 AM
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Central America, Caribbean |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Fairy lily |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Zephyranthes rosea
|
| Confidence level | medium |
