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
Penstemon hartwegii Benth. | BM t.3661/1838 | BHL
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Mexico |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Beardtongue |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Penstemon gentianoides |
| Confidence level | high |