Scarlet Pimpernel

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Annual

Native distribution

Europe

Biocultural value

The tiny flower is an emblem of Sir Blakeney in the novel The Scarlet Pimpernel written by Baroness Emma Orczy.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Richters

Description

Diminutive annual, biennial, or rarely, short-lived perennial; stems to 50cm, quadrangular, slender, diffuse, creeping to ascending. Leaves to 18x10mm, opposite, sessile, glandular, margins scarious, ovate to lanceolate, . Flower in uppermost axils closing in dark or cold conditions; pedicels to 35mm, recurved in fruit; calyx to 5mm, divided nearly to base, lobes narrow-lanceolate, apiculate, not concealing corolla in bud; corolla to 1cm diameter, scarlet or white, lobes ovate to elliptic, entire or dentate or crenate, marginal hairs numerous. Fruit to 5mm; seeds 12-45. Europe.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5