20 PENTSTEMON WKIGnTIT. 



PENTSTEMON WRIGHT II. 



Dr. Wright's Pentstemon. 

 Unman Chm-DmrsAMA. Order- Angiospebma. Natural 0«fe»— Scrophulamace*. 



We very recently noticed this ornamental genus ; but the beauty of the Pentstemon 

 Wrightii is so great, that we feel persuaded no apology will be needed for intro- 

 ducing it to our readers. 



It is decidedly one of the most distinct of all the species ; the peculiar form of its 

 corolla being, we believe, quite unique, and the rich rosy-carmine of its numerous 

 flowers is very remarkable. 



It is a native of Texas, and will therefore probably require a little protection in 

 winter, for most of the plants of that province are somewhat tender ; but this will 

 hardly prove an obstacle to its extensive adoption, in an age when hundreds of 

 green-house plants are employed for open-air decoration. 



AYe have no doubt, from what we know of this charming species, that it will be 

 very readily raised from seed ; and it is even probable that, if sown early, the 

 young plants would flower the first season. It grows from two to three feet high, 

 and bears a very long branching panicle of flowers. The lower leaves arc 

 spathulate, and lengthened at the base into a narrow petiole; the upper ones 

 are almost heart-shaped and sessile; all of them are smooth, and with margins 

 destitute of serratures. The corolla is remarkable for its spreading limb, and has 

 been compared, not inaptly, to that of the AcUmenes rosea, which it also resembles in 

 colour. The intense rosy-carmine of the flowers, which are borne in June and July, 

 is quite unrivalled in the genus, especially for a few days after expansion ; 

 subsequently this tint loses a little of its depth, but this rather adds to, than 

 detracts, from the general effect. 



It was introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew in 1850, and flowered the 

 following season. "We believe it will be in the hands of the trade this spring, and 

 as it produces seed plentifully, it will soon grace by its presence our parterres. 



It is to be regretted that, in an establishment like the Royal Gardens, supported 

 by the public money, no better provision is made for the dissemination of the nume- 

 rous treasures sent to it from all quarters of the globe. As nothing is sold at the 

 Gardens, the only way in which new plants in their exclusive possession can reach 

 the public, is through the leading Nurserymen, who are, we believe, allowed the 

 privilege of exchanging rare plants in their possession for any of those at Kew ; but 

 there are, doubtless, many who are unable to comply with this condition. 



For notices of several other species of Pentstemon, see pages 22 and 161 of vol. I. 



