London Pride – The Daily Flower for 27 July

Contrary to popular belief, London Pride is not first and foremost a parade through Soho, nor is it a hearty ale (although, with synonyms such as St. Patrick’s Cabbage, Prattling Parnell, Nancy Pretty and Kiss Me Quick, the mistake is easily enough made).

“London Pride” – Saxifraga umbrosa by bc anna

The original London Pride (it was known from the 17th century, so that seems a fair descriptor) is, admittedly, both as camp and as vigorous as its modern namesakes. After the Blitz, this glamorous pinkish polka-dotted charmer took it upon itself to beautify the bombsites where no other flora dared to tread.

Despite its star-shaped beauty and leading role in a Noël Coward song, the flower of Saxifraga umbrosa (or shade-loving rocksplitter) is often dismissed as an inferior inclusion in gardens and bouquets. Bah humbug, we say! Those detractors need to add a bit of playfulness to their day. But this debate could end up going around in circles, because the cure of such an ailment lies in London Pride itself: in floriography, the flower connotes frivolity.

Good for giving to: Lager louts and anyone who’s playful, proud and unprejudiced.

Great London Prides in literature: There’s a novel of this name, but the song by Noël Coward wins hands down:

“There’s a little city flower every spring unfailing
Growing in the crevices by some London railing,
Though it has a Latin name, in town and country-side
We in England call it London Pride.”
London Pride (Listen to an mp3 of the song)

Find out more about The Daily Flower series and floriography.

Tags: flowers, London Pride, Saxifraga, floriography