Linum grandiflorum Desf.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Nothing but a well-coloured figure, which has never hitherto appeared, can give an idea of the beauty of this plant.  The plate of Desfontaines does justice to the size of the blossom; that given in the ‘Flower Garden’ is not so large as one of its petals.  The wild state is described as having rose-coloured flowers: ours are, as recorded by Lindley and Paxton, “brilliant crimson”  The species inhabits the north of Africa; near Mascar (Desfontaines) and near Oran, according to Mr. Munby in our Herbarium.  It has lately been introduced into European gardens from Algiers; and, though an annual, its beauty will recommend it to more extended cultivation, and it is said to answer well for flower-borders. Our plants were kept in a cool greenhouse, and flowered in August.’  [BM t.4956/1856].  Introduced to Britian in 1820.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

Specifically listed in a handwritten addendum to an 1850 catalogue in the Mitchell Library collection.  [MP A2947A].  It was certainly grown at this time.  Seed was ordered from Warner & Warner, Seedsmen and Florists, Cornhill, on 12th April 1846 [MP A2933-1, p.131] and probably received, although this plant is not listed in the Gardener’s Chronicle advertisement of 12th April, 1845, referred to by Macarthur.  

Notes

Linum grandiflorum Hort. ex Rchb.  = Linum usitatissimum L., the source of flax and linseed oil.