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

Overview

Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' 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 'Hidcote Pink' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3-H5.

About

Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' is a well-branched, upright perennial with a semi-woody base and narrow, glossy mid to dark green leaves. It flowers from June to September and prefers full sun on light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand. Plant in a south- or west-facing, sheltered position and avoid winter-wet soils, the main cause of losses. Hardiness is H3–H5, so it suits much of the UK given good drainage and shelter.

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

A selection of the North American genus Penstemon, Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' sits in the Plantaginaceae and produces upright stems from a semi-woody base with narrow, glossy foliage that remains semi-evergreen in mild winters. Flowering runs from June to September, when the terminal spikes rise above the foliage and provide season-long interest in sunny conditions. Give it full sun on light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand and aim for a neutral to alkaline pH. Winter waterlogging is the principal threat, so plant in raised soil, a gentle slope or a gritty mix to improve drainage; a south- or west-facing, sheltered site further reduces cold and wet stress. The hardiness band H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) means it will do well across much of the UK where exposure and wet winters are mitigated. Use Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' at the front or middle of a sunny mixed border, in a gravel bed or beside a sheltered patio where its semi-evergreen leaves remain visible outside flowering season. Older, semi-woody stems form a framework that helps next season's shoots emerge from the crown, so avoid deep summer cutting into old wood.

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 'Hidcote Pink' 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 'Hidcote Pink'

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 'Hidcote Pink'?

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 'Hidcote Pink'?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' need?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' 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 'Hidcote Pink'?

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 'Hidcote Pink' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink' 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 'Hidcote Pink'?

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

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