About
Penstemon newberryi, the mountain pride, is a dwarf, evergreen sub-shrub to 25 cm with small, leathery, oval leaves. Tubular, deep rose-pink flowers 4 cm long are borne in clusters in early summer. A rewarding and ornamental penstemon for a sunny, well-drained 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toUnited States
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, very gritty, well-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead after flowering to retain vigour
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame. Propagate by taking softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and chrysanthemum eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews