CHELONE BARBATUS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1941, Page 9

CHELONE BARBATUS

AM EXCELLENT PLANT

That excellent plant, so long known in gardens as Chelone barbatus. has now been re-admitted to the pentstemon fold, as well it might, for it is apentstemon in appearance as well as in cultural requirements. Unlike most of the other species, this is distinctly a plant for the herbaceous border and a very good one too.

Given reasonably good drainage, it; is quite hardy, in spite of the fact that' it hails from the Southern States. Well grown, it may reach three feet or more in height with very slender but surprisingly wiry stems, thinly set with narrow orange scarlet flowers. It is then a real picture. Aspiring exhibitors should note that it makes a good vase and is always a strong point in a collection of herbaceous flowers for a summer show. i In similar style is Pentstemon Tor-, rcyi which by some authorities is regarded as a mere variety of Pentstemon Barbatus. It has the same slender, stems and develops even larger flowers. more brilliant scarlet in colour. It should be noted that the plant commonly known as Chelone obliqua has not been disturbed by botanists, and is still to be called by that name. Pentstemon Bridgcsii is a tallish, scarlet-flowered species, which used to figure prominently in nursery lists, but now seems to have disappeared. It is a showy pei'ennial in flower most of the year, but none too hardy. Possibly that may explain why it has been dropped from favour. Another handicap is that it is outclassed by such wonderful hybrids as Newbury Gen. and Southgate Gem. while it is too large to be a satisfactory rock garden plant.