Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Calamintha coccinea (Nutt. ex Hook.) Benth.

Sub-shrub with downy shoots and leaves and funnel-shaped scarlet flowers, single or 2 or 3, borne in the upper leaf axils.  To 60cm.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A very pretty half hardy and half shrubby plant, native of Florida according to Nuttall, as quoted by Dr. Hooker, and of South Carolina according to Mr. Don.  Our specimens were furnished by Mr. Marshall, gardener to Mrs. Langley of Thames Ditton, in Oct. 1834.  It is a neat, and very desirable plant, easily propagated by cuttings.’  [BR f.1747/1836].  Introduced to Britain in 1832.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Gardoquia hookeri was included in a consignment of plants sent from Kew by John Bidwill in November 1843 [AJCP].  Although it is very likely that these plants were sent to Camden to the care of William Macarthur there is no other evidence of its being grown there.  

Notes

Published Apr 01, 2010 - 02:29 PM | Last updated Apr 01, 2010 - 02:34 PM

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Figured are small, opposite, ovate leaves and tubular red flowers. Botanical Register f.1747, 1836.

Calamintha coccinea Benth. | BR f.1747/1836 | BHL

Family Lamiaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Eastern USA
Synonyms
  • Gardoquia hookeri Benth.
  • Clinopodium coccineum Kuntze
  • Cunila coccinea Nutt.
  • Satureja coccinea Bertol.
  • Melissa coccinea Spreng.
Common Name

Scarlet calamint
Name in the Camden Park Record

Gardoquia hookeri 
Confidence level high