About
Has metallic blue blowers with a white throat. Compact well-branched cultivar growing about 60cm high.
About the genus
Penstemon may be deciduous or evergreen perennials or subshrubs, with simple, narrow leaves and racemes or panicles of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with dry winter mulch - see Penstemon cultivation for more details.
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour. Then cut back to base in spring - see Penstemon cultivation
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer and semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite, and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. May be susceptible to powdery mildews