Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' (Arctic Fox Penstemon) — Bushy, Clump-forming, Upright

Overview

Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' is a bushy, clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

A compact perennial with white tubular flowers and dark green foliage, known for its early summer bloom and drought tolerance.

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
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Habit: Bushy, Clump-forming, Upright
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Arctic Fox'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Grey moulds, Fungal leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Penstemon 'Arctic Fox'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Arctic Fox'?

Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' need?

Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Penstemon 'Arctic Fox'?

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back in late winter or early spring.

Is Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon 'Arctic Fox' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Penstemon 'Arctic Fox'?

Seed, cuttings.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →