One year very early in my seed-sprouting career, I tried starting some seeds in trays becuase the seed packet looked pretty. Around half came up, which was pretty good for me at that time.
Later I learned that that species "needs" stratification. If I had known that then, I wouldn't even have tried!
Penstemon, on the other hand, does need long cold-moist stratification PLUS patience, if my failures and one success mean anything. That was the only WS success I had, the first year I tried. Everyone likes what works for them.
