About
A dwarf evergreen shrub of spreading habit, with small, linear leaves and bright orange-red, tubular flowers to 2.5cm long in summer.
About the genus
Penstemon may be deciduous or evergreen perennials or subshrubs, with simple, narrow leaves and racemes or panicles of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in summer and early autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock 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
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour and hard prune in early spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be damaged by slugs and snails and infested with chrysanthemum eelworm
Disease resistancePowdery mildew may be a problem