Crinum variabile (Jacq.) Herb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

First botanically described as Amaryllis variabile by Jacquin in 1804 [Jacquin Sch. vol.4, p.14, t.429/1804]. Transferred to Crinum by Herbert in 1837: ‘This is the hardiest known species; out of doors it preserves its leaves in winter longer than Capense, and it shoots earlier in the spring.’ [Herbert p.268/1837].

The variety roseum, introduced in 1843 [PD] was figured in the Botanical Register: ‘This beautiful bulb flowered in April last with J. H. Slater Esq. of Uckfield.  Its leaves are very long, and its gay rosy flowers most agreeably scented.  Upon shewing the drawing to the Dean of Manchester, the learned investigator of this difficult genus, he suggested the probability of its being either a variety of Crinum variabile, or a mule from C. capense, of which the gardens now contain so many.  A reference to the published figured of the former induces us to regard it as one of its varieties, with which it agrees in its bright green very long leaves, and comparatively short scape.’  The flowers were a rosy pink, green-streaked on the back of the petals and whitish inside.  [BR f.9/1844].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues [B.94/1845].

Notes