Penstemon ovatus (broad-leaved penstemon) — Bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base

Overview

Penstemon ovatus is a bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi-evergreen or evergreen; narrow, glossy, mid to dark green foliage. Penstemon ovatus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3-H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens and and wildlife gardens to attract pollinators.. It is native to British Columbia.

About

Penstemon ovatus is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae with an upright, well-branched habit and a semi-woody base. It bears narrow, glossy mid to dark green leaves and produces tubular flowers from June to September. Hardiness H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) and a preference for full sun on light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand suit sheltered, south- or west-facing positions where winter wet is avoided.

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

In the garden

Penstemon ovatus comes from British Columbia and belongs to the Plantaginaceae. Plants form an upright, well-branched perennial with a semi‑woody base and semi-evergreen, narrow glossy foliage. Give Penstemon ovatus a sunny, sheltered site in light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand with a neutral to alkaline pH; soils that remain wet in winter are the common cause of losses. A south- or west-facing aspect reduces exposure to cold, wet winds. Its hardiness range of H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) means it will succeed across much of the UK provided roots are not waterlogged during winter. Use Penstemon ovatus in the front or middle of mixed borders, in well-drained rock gardens, cottage-style beds or wildlife gardens to attract pollinators. It flowers from June to September, supplying nectar for insects through the summer into early autumn.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light, fertile, free-draining loam or sand
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; winter wet causes most losses
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3-H5

Plant details

Penstemon ovatus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright, semi-woody at the base
Foliage: Semi-evergreen or evergreen; narrow, glossy, mid to dark green
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens to attract pollinators.
Native to: British Columbia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon ovatus

Cultivation: Drainage and shelter decide whether a penstemon is perennial or annual in your garden. Plant in spring rather than autumn so the roots establish before winter, and leave the top growth standing until spring as crown protection. Regular deadheading is what sustains the extraordinarily long season. Given the modest hardiness of most cultivars, taking cuttings every summer is sensible insurance.
Pruning: Leave stems intact over winter, then cut back to low healthy buds in mid-spring once frosts have passed. Deadhead continuously through summer, cutting spent spikes to a side shoot.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer root quickly and are the standard method - and the usual replacement for winter losses. Species can be raised from seed.
Pest resistance: Slugs take young spring shoots; capsid bug and eelworm occur but are uncommon.
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew and leaf spot appear on crowded plants. Root rot follows winter waterlogging.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Penstemon ovatus?

Drainage and shelter decide whether a penstemon is perennial or annual in your garden. Plant in spring rather than autumn so the roots establish before winter, and leave the top growth standing until spring as crown protection. Regular deadheading is what sustains the extraordinarily long season. Given the modest hardiness of most cultivars, taking cuttings every summer is sensible insurance.

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon ovatus?

Penstemon ovatus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon ovatus need?

Penstemon ovatus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including light, fertile and free-draining loam or sand. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; winter wet causes most losses.

How do I prune Penstemon ovatus?

Leave stems intact over winter, then cut back to low healthy buds in mid-spring once frosts have passed. Deadhead continuously through summer, cutting spent spikes to a side shoot.

Is Penstemon ovatus hardy in the UK?

Penstemon ovatus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Penstemon ovatus?

Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer root quickly and are the standard method - and the usual replacement for winter losses. Species can be raised from seed.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →