About
A clump-forming, rather short-lived, evergreen perennial to 50cm with narrow, bluish-green foliage. This cultivar can be seed raised. In summer produces upright spikes of tubular, bright blue flowers with a hint of pink.
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 typeLoam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant over winter with a dry mulch. See penstemon cultivation
PruningRegular deadheading can encourage a longer flowering season. In autumn, cut back to by about a third to tidy and reduce windrock, but leave enough to protect the crown over winter. In mid- to late spring cut back to lowest new shoots
PropagationPropagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and chrysanthemum eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews