About
Penstemon alpinus is a semi-evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 80 cm with lance-shaped leaves. In early summer it produces blue to bluish-purple tubular flowers 2�3 cm long in one-sided racemes. A neat and rewarding alpine penstemon for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Penstemon are deciduous or evergreen perennials or subshrubs with simple, narrow leaves and racemes or panicles of tubular, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn, in shades of red, pink, purple, white and bicolours. Excellent plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toWestern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceSlugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceGrey mould, powdery mildews and fungal leaf spot