Linaria species unidentified
An unidentified species. Linaria are hardy annual and perennial herbs grown for their irregular, 2-lipped, spurred, white, pink, red, purple, orange or yellow flowers, resembling Antirrhinum. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
The Common Toadflax is Linaria vulgaris Mill., a European species quite common as a coloniser of waste areas. A number of other species were grown in Victorian gardens, of which Linaria macoura, described in an article on unusual annuals, is an example. ‘A most interesting annual, with flowers like the common Toadflax in shape, and pale lilac in colour. It grows about a foot high. It is a most profuse bloomer, and is well adapted either for beds or borders. It is a native of the south of Europe.’ Another species grown was ‘the common L. bipartita or speciosa’. The wild form is violet-purple with orange markings, but ‘the numerous shades into which [it] sports’ made it a popular annual. [Gard. Chron. 1860].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [H.121/1843]. This popular annual was also purchased as seed, six varieties, from James Carter, Seedsman and Florist, of High Holborn, on 8th April, 1846. [MP A2933-1, p.128].
Notes
Linaria species are placed by some in the family Plantaginaceae.
Published Sep 24, 2009 - 12:21 PM | Last updated Aug 17, 2011 - 04:34 PM
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere in particular |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Toadflax |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Linaria species |
| Confidence level | low |