About
A semi-evergreen subshrub to 50cm, with glossy, oval to lance-shaped, dark green leaves. Broad, dense, one-sided clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, pinkish-purple flowers are produced in late 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toW North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very gritty, sharply-drained soil in full sun. In cold areas, protect plant overwinter with a dry winter mulch. See penstemon cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationTake softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer. Divide in spring or propagate by seed in late winter or spring
Pest resistanceMaybe susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds, powdery mildews and fungal leaf spot