About
This spreading, evergreen dwarf subshrub to 30cm in height, with narrow, glossy mid-green leaves and short, dense racemes of funnel-shaped pale to dark purple flowers to 5cm in length, in 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Native toWestern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, very gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead after flowering to retain vigour
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame. Propagate by taking softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews