Overview
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen foliage. Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and pollinator gardens.
About
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' is a perennial cultivar of the Penstemon genus, known as beardtongues, which comprises around 280 species native to North America. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It is hardy in the UK to H5 and is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens. Once established, it is drought tolerant. To maintain its shape and encourage reblooming, deadhead spent flowers and cut back after flowering.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Penstemon
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous or evergreen
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Purple Bedder'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Penstemon 'Purple Bedder'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Purple Bedder'?
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' need?
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Penstemon 'Purple Bedder'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' hardy in the UK?
Penstemon 'Purple Bedder' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Penstemon 'Purple Bedder'?
Seed, cuttings.
More in the Penstemon genus
- Penstemon 'Raven'Beardtongues
- Penstemon campanulatusbellflower beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Andenken an Hahn'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Evelyn'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Garnet'Penstemon
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Hidcote Pink'Beardtongue
- Penstemon campanulatus 'Pink Endurance'Beardtongue
- Penstemon cyananthusBlue Penstemon
