Page "Dahlia" Paragraph 15

In 1804, a new species, Dahlia sambucifolia, was successfully grown at Holland House, Kensington.

Whilst in Madrid in 1804, Lady Holland was given either dahlia seeds or roots by botanist Antonio José Cavanilles.

She sent them back to England, to Lord Holland's librarian Mr Buonaiuti at Holland House, who successfully raised the plants.

A year later, Buonaiuti produced two double flowers.

The plants raised in 1804 did not survive ; new stock was brought from France in 1815.

In 1824, Lord Holland sent his wife a note containing the following verse :" The dahlia you brought to our isle