Scilla peruviana L.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A native of Portugal; also found in the fields of the Algerine and Tunisian territories by Desfontaines.  Linnaeus must have been induced to give the specific title peruviana, on the authority of Clusius, who received it with the notice of its coming from Peru out of the garden of Everard Munichoven, a botanical dilettante of the day, but who certainly was mistaken in supposing it to have been brought from the above country, and has led both his friend, and through him Linnaeus, into error.’  [BM t.749/1804].  It was supposedly introduced to Britain in 1607.  [JD].  Varieties alba and discolor also exist, the latter figured at BR f.48/1843 and OFG f.165/1854, shown with pale brownish flowers with contrasting bright blue stamens. 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.362/1843].

Notes

Another possibility is Scilla bifolia L., synonym Scilla praecox Willd., another species from the Mediterranean region.  It has bright blue flowers in spring.  [RHSD, Hortus].  Introduced to Britain in 1790.  [JD]. ‘Varies with blue, white, and pink flowers.  A native of England, but rare, and only found in some woody spots in the West; common about Paris and in the more southern parts of Europe.’  [BM t.746/1804].  OFG f.81/1854.  LBC no.283/1818.