PENTSTEMONS 23 



species, most of which are hardy, at any rate in sheltered 

 spots and warm localities. Some are truly herbaceous 

 and perfectly hardy, forming strong clumps with many 

 crowns and abundant fibrous roots, but these, for the 

 most part, produce comparatively small flowers. 



The florist's Pentstemon, with which we shall specially 

 concern ourselves, and which is decidedly the most attrac- 

 tive and popular member of the genus, is more of a sub- 

 shrubby than true herbaceous character. Raised from 

 seed, it grows into a branching plant from one main stem, 

 whilst it is readily propagated from cuttings, a method 

 which is necessary when the desire is to perpetuate and 

 increase stock of any particular variety. 



The latter was the method adopted by the old florists 

 of Scotland and the North of England, who maintained 

 collections of choice named varieties which they grew for 

 exhibition; and it may be remarked that these ardent 

 enthusiasts practised such an elaborate system of cultiva- 

 tion and bestowed such care upon their choice varieties 

 in order to bring their flower-spikes to the greatest 

 possible state of perfection that what in the rougher, less 

 refined state was a perfectly hardy plant that could brave 

 any British winter became a subject of rather delicate 

 constitution, requiring the protection of a cold frame in 

 winter, although still resenting anything in the nature of 

 coddling and artificial heat. 



As a keen lover of florists' flowers and an enthusiastic 

 supporter of flower-shows, I have no quarrel to make 

 with the sound and clever cultivators who have thus 

 treated their treasures — indeed, I am grateful to them for 

 so elevating and vastly improving a beautiful flower; for 

 however much the old florist may be reviled by those who 

 follow what they term the " natural " style of gardening, 

 it is safe to say we should never have had the richness 

 and perfection we so much enjoy in many flowers to-day 

 had it not been for the skilful breeding to high standards 



