About
This semi-evergreen perennial to 60cm tall with purple-bronze flushed stems above dense clumps of mid-green leaves, bronze when young and red in winter. subtle tiers of tubular pale lavender flowers, flushed pink are borne in late spring or early 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, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard 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 prolong flowering, then cut back to 15cm in late winter or early spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to downy mildews, grey moulds, powdery mildews and a fungal leaf spot