Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' — Bushy

Overview

Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, gravel garden, wildlife gardens and wall side borders.

About

Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' is a bushy cultivar of the Penstemon genus, known as beardtongues, which comprises around 280 species native to North America. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun and is suitable for south, west, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered positions. It prefers well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is well-suited to flower borders, gravel gardens, wildlife gardens, and wall side borders. Propagation can be achieved through softwood or semi-ripe cuttings and division.

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
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, 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 'Mother of Pearl' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl'

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

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl'?

Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' need?

Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' 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.

Is Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon 'Mother of Pearl' 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 'Mother of Pearl'?

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

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →