Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' (penstemon 'Hidcote Pink') — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and wildlife gardens.

About

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Penstemon in the Plantaginaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This semi-evergreen cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, and tolerates a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. It is suitable for both exposed and sheltered positions, offering seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

About the genus

Penstemon, the beardtongues, is a large genus of roughly 280 species of flowering plants native to North America from northern Canada to Central America. It is the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America. As well as being the scientific name, penstemon is also widely used as a common name for all Penstemon species alongside beardtongues.

Wikipedia contributors, "Penstemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter to protect roots in colder climates.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.
Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Downy mildews, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch in winter to protect roots in colder climates.

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink'?

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' need?

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How do I prune Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring.

How big does Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' grow?

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon 'Hidcote Pink' 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 'Hidcote Pink'?

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

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →