Penstemon venustus Dougl.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Found by Mr. Douglas in the dry channels of rivers among the mountains of North-west America.  It increases freely either by seed or cuttings; but is less handsome than P. diffusum or ovatum.  To be grown in perfection it should be treated as a biennial: it is apt to become unsightly when old.  Very like P. diffusum, from which it is known by its more erect habit, its leaves being sessile, not stalked, and longer and more straight, in the colour of the flower being less lively, and in the calyxes being perfectly smooth.  Flowers in great profusion during the months of July, August, and September.  We may here remark, what is extremely important to those who are in possession of seed of the rare Pentstemons to know, that this seed cannot be raised in heat; it is indispensable that it should be sown in a cold frame, or all endeavours to raise it will prove fruitless.’  [BR f.1309/1830].  Introduced to Britain in 1827.  [JD].  ‘Rocky slopes, Transition and Canadian Zones; Blue and Wallowa Mountains of Washington and Oregon, east to north central Idaho.  Type locality: “Found by Mr. Douglas in the dry channels of rivers among the mountains of North-west America.” June-Sept.’  [An Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States vol.III, p./764].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [H.179/1843].

Notes