Spiraea prunifolia Sieb. & Zucc. var. florepleno
Fully-hardy, arching, deciduous shrub with ovate, finely-toothed leaves, to 4.5cm long, turning bronze-yellow in autumn, and stalkless corymbs, to 6cm across, of double white flowers in spring. To 2m. [RHSE, Hortus, Hilliers'].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Spiraea prunifolia florepleno had a double introduction into Europe. J. Saul of Washington D.C., writing in the Journal of the Horticultural Society in 1852 commented: ‘When this plant first made its appearance in England, and in some parts of Europe, it was hailed as a great acquisition. Mr. Fortune sent it from China to the Horticultural Society’s Garden at Chiswick [in 1844] and Mr. Van Houtte had it from Dr. Van Siebold’ [who found it cultivated in a Japanese garden]. Van Houtte placed a large advertisement in 'The Gardeners Chronicle' of 1847, including a list of 95 individuals and organisations to whom he had sold plants, including Veitch’s and Loddiges’ nurseries.
Photographed in The Florist’s Exchange of 1916. [Florist’s Exchange vol.42, p.21/1916].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.933/1850]. Obtained from Kew Gardens, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849. Macarthur believed that it was new to the colony. [ML A1980-3]. It was also requested of John Lindley on 1st Feb. 1849. [MP A2933-1, p.182a].
Notes
Published Feb 06, 2010 - 04:18 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2011 - 04:50 PM
Family | Rosaceae |
---|---|
Category | |
Region of origin | Garden origin, Japan |
Synonyms | |
Common Name | Bridal wreath |
Name in the Camden Park Record |
Spiraea prunifolia flore pleno |
Confidence level | high |