Zephyranthes atamasco (L.) Herb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

First botanically described as Amaryllis atamasco by Linnaeus in 1753 [Sp. Pl. p.292/1753] and placed in Zephyranthes by Herbert in 1821 [Herbert’s Appendix p.36/1821].

‘The Amaryllis Atamasco is a native of Virginia and Carolina, in which countries it grows very plentifully in the fields and woods, where it makes a beautiful appearance when in flower, which is in the spring.  The flowers of this sort are produced singly, and at their first appearance have a fine Carnation colour on their outside, but this fades away to a pale or almost white before the flowers decay.  This plant is so hardy as to thrive in the open air in England, provided the roots are planted in a warm situation and on a dry soil; it may be propagated by offsets from the roots, which they put out pretty plentifully, especially if they are not transplanted oftner than once in three years.  [Quoted from Miller's Garden Dictionary].  It is usual with the Nurserymen about London to keep this plant in the greenhouse, where it flowers about the end of April.  Mr. Charles Hatton cultivated here in 1680, Ait. Kew on the authority of Morison.’  [BM t.239/1793]. 

‘With us it requires a little more protection.  It has flowered for several years here, at the edge of a border close to the front of the stove, planted in sandy peat earth.’  [LBC no.1899/1832].  Introduced to Britain in 1629.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.458/1843].  The earlier importation may have been lost as Macarthur included Zephyranthes atamasco among desiderata to Loddiges’ Nursery, 6th January 1845.  [MP A2933-2, p.28].

Notes