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

Overview

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

About

Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance' is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae with an upright, well-branched habit and semi-woody stems at the base. It carries narrow, glossy mid to dark green leaves that are semi-evergreen to evergreen. Flowering runs from June to September. Plant in full sun on light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand 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 'Pink Endurance' is a perennial member of the Plantaginaceae with a well-branched, upright habit and semi-woody lower stems. The foliage is narrow and glossy, remaining semi-evergreen to evergreen in suitable situations, and the plant flowers from June to September. Give it full sun in light, fertile, free-draining soil such as a loam or sandy mix; it prefers neutral to alkaline pH. Sitings on a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect reduce wind exposure and the risk of winter wet, which is the most common cause of loss. Its UK hardiness falls between H3–H5 (borderline to hardy), so it will tolerate many garden situations but can struggle in very exposed or waterlogged winters. In practice place Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance' where drainage is reliable: a sunny mixed border, gravel bed or front-of-border position suits it well. Avoid heavy clay or areas that remain cold and wet over winter. In early spring shorten the older semi-woody stems to encourage fresh basal shoots while allowing the low evergreen foliage to provide winter cover for the crown.

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 'Pink Endurance' 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 'Pink Endurance'

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 'Pink Endurance'?

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 'Pink Endurance'?

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

What soil does Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance' need?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance' 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 'Pink Endurance'?

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 'Pink Endurance' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance' 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 'Pink Endurance'?

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 →