Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' (penstemon 'Stapleford Gem') — Bushy

Overview

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Penstemon, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.

About

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' is a bushy, semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Penstemon, commonly known as beardtongues. This cultivar typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions. Suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, it can tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations, providing seasonal interest throughout the year.

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

Plant details

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem'

Propagation: Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Chrysanthemum eelworms
Disease resistance: Downy mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem'?

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' need?

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

How big does Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' grow?

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' hardy in the UK?

Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem' 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 'Stapleford Gem'?

Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

More in the Penstemon genus

Browse all Penstemon →