Botany · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
These 1897 botanical prints are well-preserved with vibrant colors, minimal edge yellowing, and crisp details, making them stunning pieces for display or collection.
This pair of original botanical prints from 1897 features the marvel of Peru (*Mirabilis jalapa*) and eastern knotweed (*Polygonum orientale*). Published in *Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse*, these beautifully detailed illustrations combine artistic elegance with scientific precision, showcasing the diversity and charm of these historical garden plants.
1. Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa)
- Common names: four o'clock flower, beauty of the night, garden jalap
- Interesting fact: This plant is called the "four o'clock flower" because its blooms typically open in the late afternoon and close by morning. It can produce flowers of different colors on the same plant, sometimes even on a single bloom.
2. Eastern Knotweed (Polygonum orientale)
- Common names: prince's feather, kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, oriental persicaria
- Interesting fact: Known for its tall, elegant spikes of pink flowers, it was a favorite in Victorian cottage gardens. It attracts pollinators and thrives near streams or damp areas.
These names emphasize their visual charm and unique traits, making them popular in ornamental gardens worldwide.
The marvel of Peru, also known as the four o’clock flower, is vividly depicted with its trumpet-shaped blossoms in shades of yellow, pink, and white. The lush green foliage and detailed seed anatomy reflect the plant’s vibrant ornamental appeal and its unique habit of blooming in the late afternoon. The eastern knotweed print contrasts this with towering spires of delicate pink flower clusters and broad, elongated green leaves, meticulously rendered to emphasize the plant’s graceful stature and botanical structure.
Both prints are in excellent condition, with their vivid colors and crisp lines perfectly preserved for over a century. Ideal for framing, they bring vintage botanical charm to any home, office, or gallery space. Perfect for collectors of antique prints, garden enthusiasts, or admirers of Victorian botanical art, this pair celebrates the timeless beauty and intricate detail of 19th-century botanical illustration.
