Penstemon ovatus Dougl.
Hardy perennial with broad-ovate leaves and blue flowers changing to purple. To 1.2m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘In point of colour, this is perhaps the most beautiful of all the numerous species of this Genus lately detected in North-west America by Mr. Douglas. The flowers, not large, are first of a rich ultramarine colour, gradually, as the flower vecomes more expanded, the outside becomes of a deep purple, whilst the inside is much more inclined to azure blue.’ [BM t.2903/1829]. Introduced to Britain in 1826. [PD]. ‘Damp rocky openings in the woods, Humid Transition and Canadian Zones; southern British Columbia, west of the Cascadean crest, to Multnomah County, Oregon. Type locality: “High mountains about the Grand Rapids of the Columbia River.” May-July.’ [An Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States vol.III, p./746].
History at Camden Park
Seeds ordered from Hurst and McMullen, Seedsmen and Florists of London, on 8th April 1846. [MP A2933-1 p.132]. This is the only record.
Notes
Published Sep 24, 2009 - 03:24 PM | Last updated Feb 18, 2010 - 05:19 PM
Penstemon ovatus Dougl. | BM t.2903/1829 | BHL
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | North America |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Beardtongue |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Penstemon ovalifolium |
| Confidence level | high |