About
A clump-forming perennial to 60cm in height, with large green oval leaves and erect spires of large, impressive, pale to deep purple, bell-shaped flowers; blooms from spring into early summer.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove spent flower spikes to help encourage a long season; cut all stems down to low-growing shoots in mid- to late March
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Powdery mildews