Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, initiated by William Curtis in 1787, is the world’s longest-running botanical periodical, renowned for its detailed illustrations and comprehensive plant descriptions.

Volumes 5 and 6, published in the early 1790s, continue this tradition by showcasing a diverse array of plant species, each accompanied by meticulous illustrations and insightful commentary. These volumes serve as valuable resources for botanists, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts, offering a window into the botanical knowledge and horticultural practices of the late 18th century.

Volume 5 features 36 plant species, each entry providing a detailed botanical illustration alongside descriptions that include the plant’s classification, native habitat, and cultivation requirements. Notable entries include Monarda fistulosa, Hypericum calycinum, Pelargonium betulinum, Zinnia multiflora, and Tagetes patula.

These descriptions offer insights into the plants’ morphological characteristics, flowering periods, and practical advice on their cultivation, reflecting the horticultural interests and botanical knowledge of the time.

Volume 6 continues this approach, presenting 36 additional plant species with detailed illustrations and descriptions. Noteworthy entries include Colutea frutescens, Salvia aurea, Syringa vulgaris, Ixia crocata, and Coronilla valentina.

Each entry provides comprehensive information on the plant’s taxonomy, native habitat, and cultivation practices, serving as a valuable reference for gardeners and botanists alike.

The meticulous illustrations in these volumes, primarily created by artists such as Sydenham Edwards, are a testament to the collaboration between botanists and artists during this period. These hand-colored prints not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the magazine but also serve as accurate visual references for plant identification and study.

Volumes 5 and 6 of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine exemplify the publication’s commitment to combining scientific accuracy with artistic excellence, contributing significantly to the field of botanical literature.