RAISING PENTSTEMONS. 



81 



THE PENTSTEMON. 



The pentstemon, which belongs to the natural order of Scrophularinece, has, within a 

 comparatively recent period, been included among florists' flowers, with the result that 

 its beauty has been greatly increased. Some of the original species, all of which 

 come from North America, are handsome plants, valuable for flower borders or beds ; 

 but in beauty of colour and form, size of flower, and general effect, the hybrids 

 obtained from P. Hartwegi, P. Cobeea, and others, far surpass them for garden 

 purposes. These hybrids have been much improved lately, so that flowers which, at 

 one time, would have been considered of exceptional beauty, are now superseded by 

 newer ones more nearly approaching the qualities wished. A valuable feature of the 

 pentstemon is the succession of flowers it yields for 

 several months. /] 



being closely set with flowers on one side. The flowers 

 must be well expanded, with well-rounded lobes, forming a circular outline. Their 

 substance must also be thick and firm. The markings of those with striped or painted 

 throats ought also to be well defined, and the colouring is required to be bright, 

 clear, and well defined. 



Like nearly all florists' flowers, for outdoor cultivation the pentstemon needs 

 liberal treatment. Any good soil will do, but a sandy loam, rather moist, is to be 

 preferred. A good quantity of well-decomposed manure and leaf mould should be added, 

 and frequent waterings given in dry weather. It is apparent that a plant flowering 

 for so long a time in summer and autumn requires to be well supplied in this respect. 



VOL. 11. m 



A large bed of pentstemons of the most advanced 

 type is very beautiful. The long spikes closely clad 

 with fine gloxinia-like blooms of great size, attractive 

 colours, and exquisite markings can hardly fail to 

 please the most fastidious eye. In beds, lines, or 

 groups the florists' pentstemon is much admired, 

 almost its only faults being its early fading when cut 

 and its doubtful hardiness. The latter is, however, 

 hardly a fault when treated, as it ought to be, as a 

 florist's flower. 



The pentstemon should have the spikes long, 

 symmetrical, stout, and slightly drooping, besides 



Fig. 41. Pentstemon Cutting. 



