172 
PENTSTEMON SPECIOSA. 
impression that they will barely exist under ordinary circumstances, are seldom 
sought, and still less frequently procured and perpetuated. 
Nothing contributes more materially to the maintenance of Pentstemons in 
health, than planting them in an open and dry situation ; while, on the contrary, 
when placed beneath the shade or drippings of trees, or in any low, damp spot, 
they invariably perish in the winter season. P. speciosa is, we believe, quite 
hardy, and is not injured by frost, except it be intense ; but it will not endure 
excessive moisture, and cannot be grown in too 
exposed a position, provided it is not so much 
above the level of the surrounding parts as to be 
subjected to extremely bleak winds. 
A rather rich loamy soil should be chosen 
for this plant, especial care being taken to avoid 
one that is too adhesive. Cultivated in beds, 
its modest but brilliant-looking blue flowers 
present a most gorgeous mass ; but probably 
a fine solitary specimen may produce the best 
effect. It should always be grown in the 
flower-garden, or in open beds, and never in a 
border in or near which shrubs or trees exist ; 
these, however, being only inimical as they 
overshadow the plant, or tend to collect water 
about its leaves and roots. 
It may be propagated by offsets or layers; 
but, as the seeds are freely ripened, and a greater 
number of finer plants may be raised from 
them, it is better to increase it by this means. 
The seeds can be sown about the month of February in a very slight hotbed, and 
protected by garden mats thrown over a temporary wooden frame. When planted 
out in the beginning of June, the young plants rarely require water ; and we 
are informed that, in the Epsom nursery, young plants which were watered 
suffered considerably, indeed many were destroyed by this treatment ; those which 
were left untended growing vigorously, and speedily establishing themselves. 
Messrs. Young, of Epsom, possess an extensive stock of this handsome plant. 
Its habit will be seen from the above engraving. 
