Penstemon secundiflorus — Clump forming

Overview

Penstemon secundiflorus is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen foliage. Penstemon secundiflorus 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 secundiflorus, commonly known as sidebells penstemon or orchid penstemon, is a species of Penstemon that grows in dry forests, high plains, and scrub lands from Wyoming to Mexico. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 in) and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are grayish-green in color. The flowers of the sidebells penstemon are tubular in shape and are arranged in a one-sided spike, with the blooms all facing the same direction, and for this reason was named secundiflorus, which means "one-sided flowers". The flowers are most often delicate shades of orchid or lavender. In the wild it grows across North America, Colorado, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, New Mexico and other regions. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Penstemon secundiflorus

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 secundiflorus 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 secundiflorus

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 secundiflorus?

Penstemon secundiflorus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon secundiflorus need?

Penstemon secundiflorus 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.