Achimenes longiflora DC.

Horticultural & Botanical History

According to the British Florist it was introduced to Britain in 1841 by the London Horticultural Society, via the Society’s collector, Hartweg.  There are numerous garden cultivars.  [BF pl.33/1842.  BF p.156/1844].  ‘More beautiful than the gayest of the stove herbaceous plants, as easy to cultivate as the commonest of perennials, more prodigal of flowers than the finest of the Gloxinias, ever blooming, except during the few months when it sinks into its winter rest, Achimenes longiflora is an invaluable gift by the [Horticultural] Society to every one who has a warm greenhouse.’  [BM t.3980/1842].  ‘Of the numerous fine plants lately introduced into the country, the two Achimenes figured in the present Number [longiflora and rosea] are among the most beautiful, and may be justly styled two of the most charming plants in our garden.’  [FC p.1/1842].  Flore des Serres figured the variety alba, pure white with crimson veins in the throat.  [FS f.536/1849].  Of early forms Paxton's Dictionary lists A. longiflora plena, with violet flowers, introduced in 1842 from Guatemala.  BR f.19/1842.  MB p.152/1842.  GRA p.25.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.11/1850].  Obtained from Kew Gardens, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849.  In the confirmatory list sent by Macarthur to King it is marked with an ‘x’, meaning common before or long introduced.  [ML A1980-3].  

Notes