About
Penstemon humilis, the low beard-tongue, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial forming basal rosettes of greyish-green leaves, with erect stems to 35 cm bearing whorls of narrowly funnel-shaped, blue to purple flowers from late spring into summer. A neat and rewarding penstemon for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Penstemon are deciduous or evergreen perennials or subshrubs with simple, narrow leaves and racemes or panicles of tubular, bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn, in shades of red, pink, purple, white and bicolours. Excellent plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews and fungal leaf spot