Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei (Tolmie's small-flowered penstemon) — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei, known as Tolmie's small-flowered penstemon, is a clump-forming cultivar of the Penstemon genus, which includes perennial or subshrub species with slender, elongated leaves and clusters of bell-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers. This variety features evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and thrives in full sun with well-drained loam, chalk, or sandy soils across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it suits various garden settings including cottage, coastal, and wildlife gardens, and flowers from spring through summer.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Penstemon

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei

Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Glasshouse red spider mite, Leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spots, Southern blight

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei?

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei need?

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei hardy in the UK?

Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Penstemon procerus var. tolmiei?

Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, Division in spring.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →