Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis is a clump-forming cultivar within the Penstemon genus, known for its perennial or subshrub habit with slender, elongated leaves. This semi-evergreen to evergreen plant produces clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers during spring and summer. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for a range of garden settings including cottage, informal, city, coastal, and gravel gardens, as well as patios and wildlife areas. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils of various types and pH levels and is hardy to UK zone H4.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Glasshouse red spider mite, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spots, Southern blight

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis?

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis need?

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis hardy in the UK?

Penstemon cardinalis subsp. regalis 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 cardinalis subsp. regalis?

Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.

More in the Penstemon genus

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