Penstemon hartwegii Benth.

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