Bred by Jean Verschaffelt (Belgium, before 1865).
Introduced in Belgium by Verschaffelt in 1865 as 'Empereur du Mexique'.

Hybrid Perpetual.  

Crimson, purple center.  Large, double (17-25 petals) bloom form.  

Dedicated to Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph Maria of Austria (July 6, 1832 Schönbrunn Castle, Vienna - June 19, 1867 Cerro de las Campanas, near Querétaro, Mexico), who was crowned Emperor of Mexico on April 10, 1864 on the instigaton of the French Emperor Napoléon III, but was shot by the troops of the legitimate Mexican president Benito Juarez.
See also 'Maximilien, Empéreur du Méxique' by Pernet.