About
This selection bears tubular, flared flowers through summer and early autumn. These are mauve purple with a white throat. Height to around 50cm.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, 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
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour
PropagationPropagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews