Penstemon hartwegii Benth.

Frost hardy, erect, branching perennial with lance-shaped leaves and drooping scarlet or red flowers, to 5cm long, on 2-3-flowered panicles in early summer.  To 60cm.  A parent of many of the common garden hybrids, with some of the older varieties approaching the species in appearance.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘A native of Mexico, found by Humboldt and Bonpland in cold stations on the slope of the snow-capped mountain of Toluco, at the height of 10,500 feet above the sea; flowering in September.  Specimens of it were sent me by Mr. Groom of Walworth, in Septmenber last; the plant had been obtained from Belgium.  It is a very ornamental and nearly hardy perennial, growing about three feet high in any rich garden soil.’  [BR. f.3/1838].  ‘As may be expected, it proves hardy with us, and even in the climate of Scotland the summer is sufficient to bring the plant to a high degree of perfection.  In the Glasgow Garden it attained a height of four feet in the open border, and its handsome flowers continued in beauty during a great part of the summer and autumn.  Professor Lindley observes that the cuttings strike freely, by which the plant may be increased as well as by seeds.’  [BM t.3661/1838].  FS f.750/1852.

History at Camden Park

Macarthur ordered seeds of Penstemon gentianoides splendens from Hurst and McMullen, Seedsmen and Florists of London, on 8th April 1846 [MP A2933-1 p.132].  It was evidently received, as it was hand written in a copy of the 1850 catalogue held at Camden Park with the number 179/2.  This catalogue is inscribed on the front ‘Wm. Macarthur 1850-51.’  [CPA].  Certainly grown in the gardens at this time.

Notes

Published Sep 24, 2009 - 02:37 PM | Last updated Feb 18, 2010 - 05:22 PM


Illustrated are lance-shaped leaves and drooping scarlet tubular flowers.  Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.3661, 1838.

Penstemon hartwegii Benth. | BM t.3661/1838 | BHL

More details about Penstemon hartwegii Benth.
Family Scrophulariaceae
Category
Region of origin

Mexico

Synonyms
  • Penstemon gentianoides Lindl.
Common Name

Beardtongue

Name in the Camden Park Record

Penstemon gentianoides 

Confidence level high