About
Penstemon pinifolius, the pine-leaved penstemon, is a spreading, evergreen dwarf shrub to 20 cm with short, needle-like leaves and tubular, scarlet flowers 2.5 cm long in short, erect racemes in summer. A distinctive and rewarding alpine penstemon for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW USA
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
PruningUnless seed is needed, deadhead after flowering to maintain vigour
PropagationPropagate by seed in late winter or spring: sow seeds at 13-18°C (55-64°F). Take softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage and chrysanthemum eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews