Overview
Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' is a upright, clump-forming shrub in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and containers.
About
A compact evergreen shrub with narrow, dark green leaves and tubular, bright pink flowers with darker markings, blooming in late spring to early summer.
About the genus
Penstemon, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native to North America from northern Canada to Central America. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues.
Wikipedia contributors, "Penstemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Penstemon
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Upright, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'?
Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' need?
Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' hardy in the UK?
Penstemon 'Alice Hindley' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Penstemon 'Alice Hindley'?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon barbatusbearded penstemon
- Penstemon barbatus 'Carnea'Golden-beard Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatusbellflower beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Andenken an Hahn'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Garnet'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink'Beardtongue