PENTSTEMON ATROPURPU'REUS. 
DARK PURPLE PENTSTEMON. 
Class. Order. 
DIDYNAMIA. ANGIOSPERMIA . 
Natural Order. 
SCROPHULARINE JE. 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration. 
Introduced 
N.America. 
2f feet. 
Aug. Sept. 
Perennial. 
in 1825. 
No. 275. 
The Greek pente, five ; and stemon a stamen, 
has been compounded as a distinguishing appella- 
tion for this genus. Atropurpureus, from the Latin 
ater, dark ; and purpura, purple. 
Several beautiful species of Pentstemon have lately 
been introduced from America, by the Horticultural 
Society, and by private individuals. They are all 
handsome border plants, and deserving of attention. 
That now before us produces seed ; and young plants, 
raised from it, we have observed to vary greatly in 
the colour of their flowers, and habit of the plant. 
In dry warm situations this plant will bear our 
severe frosts ; but those who possess only a retentive 
soil, or moist situation, should take cuttings, about 
midsummer, and plant them in a shaded situa- 
tion, giving occasional waterings till they have made 
root ; which will be effected sooner, and with more 
certainty if they be covered by a hand glass. These 
may be kept in small pots, with a slight protection 
during winter, and in the spring they may be turned 
into the borders to flower. A late writer has er- 
roneously stated that the Pentstemon seeds will not 
vegetate if submitted to artificial heat. 
Sweet’s FI. Gar. t. 235. 
