Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' 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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' 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 is evergreen to semi-evergreen and thrives in full sun with well-drained fertile soil, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels. It is hardy in the UK (H4) and suitable for various garden settings, including cottage gardens, city courtyards, coastal areas, and gravel gardens. Its season of interest spans spring and summer.

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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' 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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye'

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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye'?

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' need?

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' 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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Eye' 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 heterophyllus 'Blue Eye'?

Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →