About
A spreading, evergreen dwarf subshrub to 30cm in height, with narrow, glossy mid-green leaves and short, dense racemes of funnel-shaped white 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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, gritty, sharply-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 maintain vigour
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails and chrysanthemum eelworm
Disease resistancePowdery mildew may be a problem