Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schldl. var. splendens
See Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl. for a description of the species. ‘Bouvardias are grown in the greenhouse and were once very popular. Many of the old florists kinds are supposed to be hybrids.’ [Hortus Second]. Scarlet flowers. [JD].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Bouvardia triphylla splendens, with scarlet flowers, was introduced from Mexico in 1838. [PD]. Johnson’s Dictionary lists Bouvardia splendens as a true species, also with scarlet flowers, introduced in 1834. This is undoubtedly the plant figured in the Ornamental Flower Garden [OFG f.95/1854] as Bouvardia triphylla Ker var. splendens, synonym B. splendens Graham: ‘This very handsome plant is certainly a variety of B. triphylla, from which it differs in its more scarlet, brighter, and larger flowers, its more pubescent surface, its more vigorous habit, and in the deep purple stain upon all its branches.’ Similar sentiments were expressed in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine [BM t.3781/1840]. It is figured in the Botanical Register under the name Bouvardia triphylla var. splendens [BR f.37/1840].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.30/1850]. It was requested of Loddiges’ nursery on 1st February, 1849, presumably the source. [MP A2933-1, p.185].
Notes
Published Feb 04, 2009 - 04:58 PM | Last updated Feb 07, 2010 - 04:59 PM
Family | Rubiaceae |
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Category | |
Region of origin | USA, Southern and Central America |
Synonyms |
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Common Name | Scarlet Bouvardia |
Name in the Camden Park Record | Bouvardia splendens |
Confidence level | high |