Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' (Beardtongue) — Bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base

Overview

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' is a bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen or evergreen; narrow, glossy, mid to dark green foliage. Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3-H5.

About

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae with an upright, well-branched habit and a semi-woody base. It bears narrow, glossy mid to dark green leaves that remain semi-evergreen to evergreen. Flowering runs from June to September. It prefers full sun on light, fertile, free‑draining loam or sand in neutral to alkaline soil, sited in a sheltered south- or west-facing position.

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

In the garden

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' sits within the plantain family and forms upright, multi-stemmed clumps with a semi-woody lower stem. The foliage is narrow and glossy, holding through milder periods, and the plant sets flowers between June and September. Plant in full sun on light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand with a neutral to alkaline pH. A sheltered aspect—ideally south or west facing—reduces winter exposure; avoid heavy, poorly drained soils because winter wet causes most losses. Hardiness is listed as H3–H5, which translates to a range from borderline (H3) through average garden hardiness (H4) to hardy (H5), so siting and drainage are important in the cooler or more exposed parts of the UK. Use 'Evelyn' where long summer flowering on a free-draining site is needed: sunny perennial borders, gravel beds or other sunny, well-drained corners. Keep soil on the drier side over winter and ensure the crown is not left in waterlogged conditions, as winter wet is the main cause of loss for this plant.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; winter wet causes most losses
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3-H5

Plant details

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base
Foliage: Semi-evergreen or evergreen; narrow, glossy, mid to dark green

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'

Cultivation: Drainage and shelter decide whether a penstemon is perennial or annual in your garden. Plant in spring rather than autumn so the roots establish before winter, and leave the top growth standing until spring as crown protection. Regular deadheading is what sustains the extraordinarily long season. Given the modest hardiness of most cultivars, taking cuttings every summer is sensible insurance.
Pruning: Leave stems intact over winter, then cut back to low healthy buds in mid-spring once frosts have passed. Deadhead continuously through summer, cutting spent spikes to a side shoot.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer root quickly and are the standard method - and the usual replacement for winter losses. Species can be raised from seed.
Pest resistance: Slugs take young spring shoots; capsid bug and eelworm occur but are uncommon.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and leaf spot appear on crowded plants. Root rot follows winter waterlogging.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'?

Drainage and shelter decide whether a penstemon is perennial or annual in your garden. Plant in spring rather than autumn so the roots establish before winter, and leave the top growth standing until spring as crown protection. Regular deadheading is what sustains the extraordinarily long season. Given the modest hardiness of most cultivars, taking cuttings every summer is sensible insurance.

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' need?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including light, fertile and free-draining loam or sand. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; winter wet causes most losses.

How do I prune Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'?

Leave stems intact over winter, then cut back to low healthy buds in mid-spring once frosts have passed. Deadhead continuously through summer, cutting spent spikes to a side shoot.

Is Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'?

Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer root quickly and are the standard method - and the usual replacement for winter losses. Species can be raised from seed.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →