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.

Phlox x leopoldiana Paxt.

Paxton’s Dictionary describes Phlox Leopoldiana as a rose-coloured hybrid, introduced in 1847.  Its general colour is a bright rosy-crimson, the eye a rich deep crimson, and the throat white, making a striking contrast.  [FC p.28/1848].  The RHS Dictionary describes the flower as deep rose with a white eye and classifies it as a grandiflora type, growing to about 45cm.  

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This most beautiful Phlox was raised a short time ago in Belgium; it is a hybrid of P. Drummondii, and its habit greatly resembles that species.  No kind can be better suited for bedding out, or training against a low wall or trellis, as its stems are slender and spreading; the flowers are large, and produced in great profusion; their colours are more brilliant and striking than those of any other known kind; and where the soil is suitable, it is a plant of very rapid growth.’  [MB p.266/1847].  ‘The variety Leopoldina has very pretty deep pink flowers with a clear white centre.  It is particularly handsome, and one of the best for flourishing in the open bed.  It merits a place in every flower garden.’  [FC p.133/1850`].  FS f.680-681/1852 as Phlox ‘Roi Léopold’.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.183/1850].

Notes

Published Feb 06, 2009 - 04:21 PM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 05:13 PM

The illustration shows bright red flowers with a white eye.  Paxton's Magazine of Botany p.266, 1847.

Phlox x leopoldiana Paxt. | MB p.266/1847 | RBGS

Family Polemoniaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, Belgium

Synonyms

 

  • Phlox drummondii Hook. var. leopoldii
Common Name

Phlox

Name in the Camden Park Record

Phlox var. Leopoldii 

Confidence level high