About
A semi-evergreen perennial forming a clump of erect stems to 60cm in height, with ovate leaves and narrow panicles of tubular funnel-shaped white flowers 3.5cm in length.
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, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, 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
PruningDeadhead after flowering to maintain vigour. Then cut back to base in early spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer. Propagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite, and leaf and bud eelworms
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free