Overview
Penstemon crandallii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon crandallii 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 crandallii is a clump-forming cultivar of the Penstemon genus, which includes perennial or subshrub species with slender, elongated leaves and clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers. This cultivar features evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, including loam, chalk, or sand, across a range of pH levels. Suitable for various garden settings such as cottage, coastal, and wildlife gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and offers interest in both spring and winter seasons.
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 crandallii 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 crandallii
- 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 crandallii?
Penstemon crandallii prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon crandallii need?
Penstemon crandallii 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 crandallii hardy in the UK?
Penstemon crandallii 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 crandallii?
Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon albidus
- Penstemon ambiguusgilia beardtongue
- Penstemon attenuatus
- Penstemon barbatus 'Schooley's Yellow'
- Penstemon centranthifoliusscarlet bugler
- Penstemon cyananthus
- Penstemon deustus
