Bingo! It is definitely Penstemon. I had hit a dead end with this one, so I am grateful for everyone's help. Who knows; maybe someday I can answer a question or two. Cheers, Doug

HA! You won't think it so creepy when the bud opens! Which looks like it could happen any time now. They only open at night, by the way, usually in the 'prime time' hours. By the next morning, the incredible flower will be wilted and forlorn. Truly, this bud looks like it could be ready VERY soon (tonight or tomorrow?). You won't want to miss it.

There is an Antique Rose Forum on GardenWeb that seems very active. They ought to be able to help you.

My definition is any plant which INSISTS upon being where I insist it not be. Osteos become that here, self seeding and germinating vigorously anywhere they can get a foot hold. Not quite as much as alyssum, and much more vigorously rooted and permanent than that one. If they remained the shorter, bushier plant the ads claim them to be, perhaps they would be nicer. They don't, though. Like a berry plant, they flop over, root along the growth and create new shoots in addition to the seedlings. I doubt you would have the issue elsewhere in climates not like their places of origin, but that's what they frequently do here. Kim