Rhododendron indicum Sweet var. mirabilis superba
Galle describes ‘Mirabilis, an old Ghent Hybrid, as existing in two forms, purplish yellow, probably mirabilis superba, and pink, probably mirabilis rosea. If this is the correct identification then it is likely that both forms were grown at Camden Park. Azaleas considered hardy in England included ‘Mirabilis’. [Gard. Chron. 1849]. Paxton’s Dictionary includes mirabilis in its list of good garden varieties, but not mirabilis superba or rosea.
Horticultural & Botanical History
For more information on Indica Azaleas see Rhododendron indicum Sweet.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.102/1857]. Macarthur’s inclusion of this plant among his Indica azaleas perhaps makes its identification as a Ghent hybrid unlikely. Azalea hybridae-belgicae mirabilis is listed in the 1836 edition of Loddiges’ Nursery catalogue, a copy of which is held at Camden Park. This further suggests that Macarthur’s plant is probably not the Ghent hybrid.
Notes
Published Jun 04, 2009 - 04:41 PM | Last updated Jul 18, 2010 - 12:55 PM
| Family | Ericaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, Belgium |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Indica Azalea |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Azalea Indica mirabilis superba |
| Confidence level | low |