Gardenia augusta (L.) Merrill var. florepleno

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Gardenia florida is commonly known in the nurseries as Cape Jasmine, and was first published by Mr. Philip Miller, from a plant which flowered in Mr. Warner’s garden, at Woodford.  It was brought from the Cape of Good Hope, by Captain Hutchinson; but it is probably, however, not a native of that country, but according to the Hortus Kewensis, of Cochinchina, China, Japan, and the South Sea Islands.’  [BM t.2627/1826].

The single form, flore simplici, is figured in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine [BM t.3349/1834].  The double form flore pleno is also figured.  [BM t.2627/1826].  It is also figured as Gardenia radicans.  ‘In the way that Gardenia radicans is treated in our stoves, the stems show no disposition to put forth roots; but probably would, were they suffered to come in contact with the earth.  It is doubtful, whether it has ever been seen in this country, or even in China, with a single flower.  There is great affinity between this species and Gardenia florida, from which it differs very little, except in the lesser size of its flowers and leaves, which last are narrowed at both extremities.  The flowers have nearly the same fragrant smell, and the plant flowering more freely and being more easily propagated than the true Cape Jasmin, it has of late very much taken the place of this last, and is frequently sold for it.’  [BM t.1842/1816].  First cultivated in Europe in both the single and double forms in 1754.  [PD].  ABR pl.491/1807.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.504/1843] and originally received per ‘Sovereign’ February 1831.  [MP A2948].

Notes