Verbena x hybrida ‘Gem of the West’
A cultivar of Verbena x hybrida Hort. ex Vilm., the Florists’ Verbena. ‘Fine crimson, large truss, free bloomer, good show flower.’ James Manley. [Gard. Chron. 1847]. Described as salmon shaded with rich rose by Woods, a verbena called ‘Gem of the West’ was included in his list of ‘rich-coloured varieties.’ It is probably the same flower, differences in colour descriptions being common, although not usually as marked as this. ‘Gem of the West is conspicuous for its fine, large truss of bloom.’ William Woods [Gard. Chron. 1848].
Horticultural & Botanical History
For information on the botanical and horticultural history of the Florists’ Verbena see Verbena x hybrida Hort. ex Vilm.
History at Camden Park
In February 1849 William Macarthur wrote to James Backhouse: ‘I am desirous to obtain a good collection of the best Verbenas of different shades of colour and I have extracted from a descriptive list published in the Gardener’s Chronicle of 8 April ’48 (which appears to have been written by Mr Wood of Fishergate Nursery, York) – a number of names under the belief that they will supply the variety we require.’ [MP A2933-1, p.183]. There is no record that these plants were received but it seems likely that they were.
Notes
Published Apr 24, 2009 - 03:08 PM | Last updated Aug 29, 2011 - 05:15 PM
| Family | Verbenaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, England |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Florists’ Verbena |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Verbena ‘Gem of the West’ |
| Confidence level | high |