About
Multi-stemmed evergreen perennial about 80cm tall, with slender mid-green leaves, and from summer to autumn prolific tubular intense scarlet flowers, with white throats and red throat markings.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour and prolong flowering, then cut back to 15cm in late winter or early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in late winter or spring, softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe 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