Description
‘Leedsii’ (Incomparabilis)
2Y-YYO
[Incomparabilis 2b]
(Leeds, E., pre-1851; ‘Major’ × poeticus)
The first coloured plate of this hybrid, published in Moore and Ayre’s Gardeners’ Magazine of Botany in 1851, was stylised and stiff, albeit flattering, so not helpful for identification. Three cheers for Nan Heath’s beautiful and accurate watercolour, which enabled us to validate our stock. In an article in The Garden (14/03/1885), “M.C.” captures the character of this “earth star” (their unique term?) adroitly: “Leedsi is very noticeable from its lengthened petals and the deep orange rim round the crimpled tube”. The long spreading perianth segments open strong sulphur-yellow, fading and twisting slightly with age, and most remain incurving over the Dresden yellow corona. On opening, the fugitive persimmon-orange staining at the obscurely lobed and notched rim seeps down the furrows of the pleated, almost straight cup. According to Hartland’s 1886 catalogue, “most beautiful for cutting; specially for ladies’ wear”. Slightly below average height.
