Verbena x hybrida Smith’s ‘Eliza’
A cultivar of Verbena x hybrida Hort. ex Vilm., the Florists’ Verbena. ‘Eliza [is an] exceedingly rich vermillion red.’ Woods [Gard. Chron. 1848]. George Smith of Islington, in an advertisement in The Gardeners Chronicle, described ‘Eliza’ (Smith) as ‘colour blush, with rosy-purple centre, eye pink, extra large truss, very attractive and fine habit.’ This appears to be a different plant. [Gard. Chron. 1851].
Horticultural & Botanical History
For information on the botanical and horticultural history of the Florists’ Verbena see Verbena x hybrida Hort. ex Vilm.
History at Camden Park
In February 1849 William Macarthur wrote to James Backhouse: ‘I am desirous to obtain a good collection of the best Verbenas of different shades of colour and I have extracted from a descriptive list published in the Gardener’s Chronicle of 8 April ’48 (which appears to have been written by Mr Wood of Fishergate Nursery, York) – a number of names under the belief that they will supply the variety we require.’ [MP A2933-1, p.183]. There is no record that these plants were received but it seems likely that they were.
Notes
Published Apr 24, 2009 - 03:29 PM | Last updated Aug 29, 2011 - 04:58 PM
| Family | Verbenaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, England |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Florists’ Verbena |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Verbena ‘Eliza’ |
| Confidence level | high |
