About
Penstemon barbatus, the bearded penstemon, is a tall, upright perennial to 1.8 m with semi-evergreen basal rosettes and deciduous stems with leaves to 20 cm long. From early summer to early autumn it bears loose spires of pendulous, tubular red flowers 4 cm long, tinged pink to carmine. A bold and reliable penstemon for a sunny, well-drained border.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico & S USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry mulch. See penstemon cultivation
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour, then cut back to base in winter
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer, or division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews