Overview
Penstemon 'Blackbird' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Blackbird' 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 pollinator gardens.
About
Penstemon 'Blackbird' is a perennial cultivar of the Penstemon genus, known as the beardtongues, which comprises around 280 species native to North America. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture, making it suitable for borders, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens. To maintain its shape and encourage bushiness, it should be cut back after flowering. Propagation can be achieved through seed or cuttings, and care should be taken to avoid waterlogging.
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
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Penstemon 'Blackbird' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Blackbird'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Penstemon 'Blackbird'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Blackbird'?
Penstemon 'Blackbird' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon 'Blackbird' need?
Penstemon 'Blackbird' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Penstemon 'Blackbird'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Penstemon 'Blackbird' hardy in the UK?
Penstemon 'Blackbird' 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 'Blackbird'?
Seed, cuttings.
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